beggar
UK: ˈbeɡə | US: ˈbeɡər
n. a person who lives by asking others for money or food
vt. to reduce someone to poverty or exhaust resources
The word "beggar" originates from the Middle English "beggen" (to beg), which likely derives from the Old French "begart," a term for a member of a lay brotherhood known for mendicancy. The suffix "-ar" (variant of "-er") denotes an agent noun, forming "beggar" to mean "one who begs." Over time, it evolved to describe both the act of begging and the state of impoverishment (e.g., "to beggar belief").
The kind woman gave coins to the beggar on the street.
War and famine beggared the entire region.
His extravagant spending beggared his family.
The policy risks beggaring small businesses.
"It beggars belief," she muttered, astonished by the absurd claim.