squander etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English: scaterin, scateren
  • Old English: scaterian
  • Proto-Germanic: *skatterjaną
  • Proto-Indo-European: *√sked- (to throw, scatter)

Meaning and Origin:

The verb "squander" initially meant "to scatter" or "to disperse." It originated from the Old English verb "scaterian," which itself came from the Proto-Germanic root *skatterjaną, meaning "to throw, scatter."

Over time, the meaning of "squander" evolved to include the idea of wasting or spending recklessly. This shift in meaning likely occurred because scattering something often results in its dissipation or loss. Hence, the term "squander" came to be associated with the careless use of resources, especially money.

Additional Notes:

  • "Squander" is related to the word "scattershot," which refers to ammunition that is designed to spread out when fired.
  • The noun form of "squander," "squanderer," refers to someone who wastes or spends money recklessly.
  • The phrase "to squander one's inheritance" is often used to describe the foolish spending of money inherited from someone else.

squander relate terms

  • consume

    Etymology Latin consumere to destroy use up exhaust Old French consumer consum

  • ware

    Etymology The word ware has roots in several Germanic languages Old English waru m

  • blow

    Etymology The word blow comes from the Middle English word blowe which in turn comes

  • dissipation

    Etymology and Meaning The word dissipation comes from the Latin word dissipare which

  • effusion

    Etymology The word effusion comes from the Latin word effusio which means a pouring

  • scatter

    Etymology Old English scateran to scatter spread disperse Middle English scateren P

  • dissipate

    Etymology From Latin dissipāre to scatter disperse squander from dis apart

  • fritter

    Etymology The word fritter comes from the Middle English word fritour which in turn

  • prod

    Etymology Latin prodere meaning to betray to expose Old French proder prower me

  • drop

    Etymology From Middle English droppe from Old English dropa ddropa drop small porti