helmet
UK: ˈhelmɪt | US: ˈhelmɪt
n. a hard or padded protective hat, worn by soldiers, cyclists, motorcyclists, etc.
helmet = helm<protective head covering> + et<diminutive suffix>
- helm: From Old English helm, meaning "protective head covering," originally used in battle.
- et: A diminutive suffix of French origin, indicating a smaller or derived form (e.g., cigarette from cigar + ette).
Etymology Origin:
The word helmet evolved from Old English helm, which referred to a warrior’s protective headgear. The addition of the French diminutive suffix -et (later anglicized to -et) subtly shifted the meaning to a smaller or more specialized form of head protection, such as those used in sports or modern combat. This reflects the word’s journey from Germanic roots to Middle English, influenced by Norman French.
The cyclist wore a bright red helmet for safety.
Medieval knights often decorated their helmets with crests.
The construction worker fastened his helmet before entering the site.
She bought a new motorcycle helmet with a built-in visor.
The football player’s helmet protected him from serious injury.