pierce English · revision 15110

+ {{infobox|confidence=probable|formation=borrowing|attested=1297|origins=la tundō}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /pɪəs/, US /pɪrs/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[inh|enm|percen]], [[bor|xno|perser]] and [[fro|percier|t=to pierce, transfix]] (modern [[fr|percer]]),^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(Hoad 1986)^(MWU 2024) probably from [[la-vul|*pertūsiō]],^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(Hoad 1986) from [[la|pertūsus|t=bored through]], the past participle of [[m|la|pertundō|t=to bore through]], from [[m|la|per|t=through]] and [[m|la|tundō|t=to beat, pound]] (see [[obtuse]]).^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(Hoad 1986)^(MWU 2024)^(NODE 1998)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ To run through or into something with a pointed instrument, to stab: 1297 in the OED, probably before 1300 in Barnhart, about 1300 in Etymonline.^(OED 1989)^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline) The surname Percehaie is from 1202.^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Forcing a way through is also from 1297,^(OED 1989) and figuratively, of cold, from 1390.^(OED 1989) Affecting someone deeply with grief or pain is from 1387–8,^(OED 1989) and seeing into something with the eye or mind from the early 15th century.^(OED 1989) Making a hole in something is from the 14th century, and making the hole itself from about 1412.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1202 – Percehaie (surname).^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * 1297 – to stab; to force a way.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1387–8 – to affect with grief.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1390 – of cold, to pierce.^(OED 1989)

+ * c. 1412 – to make a hole.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Verb===

+ # To pass through with a sharp instrument; to [[stab]] or penetrate.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To make a hole in; to [[perforate]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To force a way through.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Of a sound, to ring out sharply through something; of light, to shine through darkness.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To see into or understand something.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To affect deeply with pain or emotion.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[piercer]]

+ * [[piercing]]

+ * [[piercingly]]

+ * [[pierceable]]

+ * [[transpierce]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[obtuse]]

+ * [[contusion]]

+ * [[percussion]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}