founder
UK: ˈfaʊn.dər | US: ˈfaʊn.dɚ
n. 1. A person who establishes an institution, company, or organization.
n. 2. (Shipbuilding) A person who constructs or launches a ship.
vi. 1. To fail or collapse, especially due to structural weakness (e.g., a ship filling with water and sinking).
vi. 2. To stumble or fall (e.g., a horse or person).
The noun "founder" derives from the verb "found" (establish), combining "found" with the agent suffix "-er," meaning "one who establishes." The verb "founder" (to sink or fail) has a separate origin, tracing back to Old French fondrer, linked to the Latin fundus (bottom), reflecting the idea of sinking to the bottom. Over time, the verb expanded metaphorically to describe any catastrophic failure.
Steve Jobs was a co-founder of Apple Inc.
The ship began to founder after hitting an iceberg.
The startup foundered due to poor financial management.
The horse foundered in the muddy field.
She worked tirelessly as the founder of the charity.