amass
UK: əˈmæs | US: əˈmæs
vt. to gather or accumulate a large quantity of something (e.g., wealth, resources)
vt. to collect into a mass or pile
The word "amass" entered English in the late 15th century from Old French amasser, which combined the prefix a- (from Latin ad-) with masse (meaning "mass" or "heap"). The Latin root massa likely originated from Greek mâza ("barley cake," later generalized to "lump"). The prefix a- reinforces the action of gathering, giving "amass" its sense of accumulating things into a large quantity. The word’s evolution reflects a logical progression from physical heaping (e.g., grain) to abstract accumulation (e.g., wealth).
He managed to amass a fortune through wise investments.
The squirrels amass nuts for the winter.
Over years, she amassed a vast collection of rare books.
The dictator amassed power by suppressing opposition.
Dust amassed in the corners of the unused room.