The English language is full of words that we don’t use on a daily basis, and one such word is “begirt.” If you’ve never heard of this word before, don’t worry; you’re not alone. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of begirt, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Begirt is a verb that means to surround or encircle. It is often used in the past tense, as in “he was begirt by enemies on all sides.” The word is not commonly used in modern English, but it can be found in literature and poetry.
Origin
The word begirt comes from the Middle English word “bigirden,” which means to encircle or surround. The word has roots in Old English and Germanic languages.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The Oxford English Dictionary defines begirt as “to surround, encircle, encompass.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “to gird or surround.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “to surround or encircle someone or something.”
Associations
Begirt is often associated with military or battle situations, where one side is surrounded by enemies. It can also be used in a more metaphorical sense, such as being begirt by problems or difficulties.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for begirt include surround, encircle, encompass, gird, and hem in.
Antonyms
Antonyms for begirt include free, release, liberate, and unencumbered.
The same root words
Begirt shares its roots with other words in the English language, such as “girdle,” “girth,” and “gird.”
Example Sentences
Here are a few examples of how to use begirt in a sentence:
- The castle was begirt by a moat, making it difficult for enemies to attack.
- The city was begirt by a wall, protecting it from invaders.
- The hiker was begirt by dense forest on all sides, making it hard to find the trail.
In conclusion, begirt is a word that is not commonly used in modern English, but it still has relevance in literature and poetry. It means to surround or encircle and is often associated with military or battle situations. Its synonyms include surround, encircle, and gird, while its antonyms include free and release. Knowing the meaning of begirt can add depth and nuance to your writing and vocabulary.