coping
UK: ˈkəʊpɪŋ | US: ˈkoʊpɪŋ
n. 1. The top layer of a brick or stone wall, typically sloping to shed water.
n. 2. The process of dealing effectively with stress or difficult situations.
v. (present participle of cope) 1. To manage or contend with challenges.
The word coping derives from the verb cope, which originated from Old French coper ("to strike, cut"), later evolving in Middle English to mean "to contend with" or "manage." The suffix -ing forms a noun (e.g., the architectural term) or a present participle (e.g., "coping with stress"). The architectural sense reflects the idea of "covering" or "topping off" a structure, while the psychological sense aligns with managing challenges.
The mason carefully installed the coping to protect the wall from rain.
She developed healthy strategies for coping with anxiety.
The therapist taught him coping mechanisms for stressful situations.
The garden wall’s coping was made of smooth limestone.
Coping with loss requires time and support.