ground
UK: ɡraʊnd | US: ɡraʊnd
n. the solid surface of the earth
n. a basis or foundation for something
vt. to restrict someone (especially a pilot or child) from leaving a place as punishment
vt. to connect an electrical device to the earth
The word ground traces back to Old English grund, meaning "bottom, foundation, or earth." It shares roots with Proto-Germanic grunduz and is related to Dutch grond and German Grund. Originally, it referred to the bottom of something (e.g., a body of water), later expanding to mean the solid surface of the earth. The verb senses (e.g., "to ground a plane") derive metaphorically from the idea of forcing something to stay on the earth.
The children played on the wet ground after the rain.
Her research provided the ground for future studies.
The pilot was grounded due to bad weather.
Always ground electrical equipment to avoid shocks.
The argument had no factual ground to stand on.