daybreak
UK: ˈdeɪbreɪk | US: ˈdeɪˌbreɪk
n. the time in the morning when daylight first appears; dawn
The word "daybreak" combines "day" (from Old English dæg, meaning the period of daylight) and "break" (from Old English brecan, meaning to split or interrupt). It metaphorically describes the moment when night "breaks" into day, marking the arrival of dawn. This compound reflects a vivid natural observation, where the transition from darkness to light is framed as an active, almost physical, rupture.
We set out at daybreak to avoid the midday heat.
The birds began singing at the first hint of daybreak.
Daybreak painted the sky in shades of pink and gold.
Fishermen often return with their catch by daybreak.
The soldiers launched their attack under cover of daybreak.