bore

UK: bɔː | US: bɔːr

Definition

  1. v. to make someone feel weary or uninterested

  2. v. to drill or pierce a hole

  3. n. a dull or tiresome person or thing

  4. n. the hollow interior of a tube or cylinder

Structure
bor <to pierce>e <verb suffix>
Etymology

The word "bore" originates from Old English borian, meaning "to pierce or perforate," related to Old Norse bora and Proto-Germanic burōną. The sense of "causing weariness" emerged in the 18th century, likely influenced by the idea of something repetitive or unrelenting (like drilling) inducing fatigue.

Examples

  1. The lecture bored the students with its repetitive content.

  2. He used a drill to bore a hole in the wooden plank.

  3. She avoided him at parties because he was such a bore.

  4. The rifle's bore was cleaned meticulously after use.

  5. Long meetings tend to bore everyone in the office.