heel
UK: hiːl | US: hiːl
n. the back part of the foot below the ankle
n. the part of a shoe or sock that covers the heel
vt. to follow closely behind someone
vt. to tilt or lean to one side (e.g., a ship)
The word "heel" traces back to Old English hēla, derived from Proto-Germanic hāhilō. It has retained its core meaning related to the foot's structure for over a millennium. Unlike compound words, "heel" evolved as a compact unit without separable morphemes, reflecting its ancient Germanic roots. Its verb senses (e.g., "to heel a ship") metaphorically extend from the physical pivot-point concept of the foot's heel.
She rubbed her sore heel after the long walk.
The leather shoe had a worn-out heel.
The dog obediently began to heel beside its owner.
The ship heeled sharply in the strong wind.
High heels are fashionable but uncomfortable.