fill

UK: fɪl | US: fɪl

Definition

  1. vt. to make or become full

  2. vt. to occupy all available space

  3. vt. to supply (a vacancy or role)

  4. n. a quantity sufficient to satisfy

Structure
fill <to make full>
Etymology

The word "fill" traces back to Old English fyllan, derived from Proto-Germanic fullijaną ("to make full"), which is linked to fullaz ("full"). This root reflects a straightforward action-to-state relationship: the verb "fill" describes the process of achieving the state of "full." Over time, its usage expanded metaphorically (e.g., filling a role) while retaining its core sense of completeness.

Examples

  1. She filled the glass with water.

  2. The room quickly filled with laughter.

  3. He was hired to fill the manager position.

  4. Please fill out this form before leaving.

  5. A single cookie couldn’t fill his hunger.