midst
UK: mɪdst | US: mɪdst
n. the middle point or part of something
prep. in the middle of; surrounded by
The word "midst" originates from Middle English midst, a shortened form of amidst, which itself derives from Old English on middan ("in the middle"). The morpheme mid directly reflects the Proto-Germanic midjā ("middle"), while the -st suffix is a fossilized form of the superlative or locative ending, reinforcing the sense of position. Over time, "midst" evolved to function as both a noun and a preposition, retaining its core meaning of centrality or being surrounded.
She stood calm in the midst of chaos.
A lone tree grew in the midst of the field.
He found himself in the midst of an argument.
The truth lay hidden in the midst of conflicting reports.
They built a fire in the midst of the campsite.