hunt etymology

Etymology

The word "hunt" derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *kwen-, meaning "to desire, crave". This root also gave rise to the English word "queen" (originally "woman of desire") and the Latin word "venus" (goddess of love).

Meaning

1. To pursue and kill (an animal or animals) by chasing them, trapping them, or shooting them.
2. To search or inquire diligently for (something): to hunt for clues.
3. To seek out or pursue (someone or something) with the intent to harm or apprehend: to hunt down a criminal.

Origin

The word "hunt" entered the English language in the early 12th century from the Old French word "hunter", meaning "houndsman" or "hunter". The Old French word is derived from the Latin noun "venator", which in turn comes from the verb "venari", meaning "to hunt".

Additional Information

• The word "hunt" is closely related to the word "hound", which comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *kwon-, meaning "dog".
• The word "hunt" can also refer to a gathering of people engaged in hunting, or to the territory where hunting is practiced.
• The word "hunt" is often used figuratively to describe a pursuit or search for something other than animals, such as a "job hunt" or a "treasure hunt".

hunt relate terms

• hunting

  Etymology The word hunting is derived from the Old English word huntian which means

• hunt

  Etymology The word hunt derives from the Proto Indo European root kwen meaning to d

• gunning

  Etymology Old English gunne from Old Norse gunnr meaning battle or war Mea

• yacht

  Etymology The word yacht is derived from the Dutch word jacht which was used in the

• hint

  Etymology Old English hynt Middle English hent Meaning A suggestion or clue that

• trace

  Etymology The word trace has its roots in Old French stemming from the Latin word tra

• chase

  Etymology Old French chacier Latin captiare meaning to seize capture hunt Mean

• chase

  Etymology Old French chacier Latin captiare meaning to seize capture hunt Mean

• catch

  Etymology The word catch comes from the Middle English word cacchen which itself der

• gain

  Etymology Anglo French gaignerie profit Middle French gaignier to earn Old French ga

• sale

  Etymology From Middle English sale salu from Anglo Norman sale from Latin sāl sali

• seal

  Etymology of Seal The word seal derives from the Old English word seolh which orig