fatten

UK: ˈfæt(ə)n | US: ˈfætn̩

Definition

  1. vt. to make or become fat or plump

  2. vi. to increase in weight or size (of animals, especially for slaughter)

Structure
fat <plump, from Old English *fǣtt*>en <verb-forming suffix, meaning "to cause to be">
Etymology

The word "fatten" combines "fat," derived from Old English fǣtt (meaning "plump" or "greasy"), with the suffix "-en," which turns adjectives into verbs (e.g., "soften," "darken"). This suffix originates from Old English -nian, used to form causative verbs. The term originally described making livestock plump for slaughter, later extending metaphorically to humans or objects.

Examples

  1. Farmers fatten pigs before selling them to the market.

  2. She tried to fatten up her thin cat with extra meals.

  3. The chef used butter to fatten the sauce.

  4. Overeating during holidays can fatten you quickly.

  5. The company’s profits began to fatten after the new strategy.