muster
UK: ˈmʌstə | US: ˈmʌstər
n. 1. A formal gathering of troops for inspection or preparation.
n. 2. A general assembly or gathering of people or things.
vt. 1. To assemble (troops or people) for inspection or action.
vt. 2. To summon or gather (strength, courage, etc.).
muster = must<obligation/compulsion> + er<agent suffix>
- must (from Old French muster, Latin monstrare "to show, demonstrate") → Implies obligation or display.
- er (agent suffix) → Indicates a person or thing performing an action.
Etymology Origin:
The word "muster" originates from Latin monstrare ("to show"), passing through Old French muster as a military term for assembling troops for inspection. Over time, it broadened to mean any formal gathering or the act of summoning resources (e.g., "muster courage"). The logic ties to the idea of "showing up" or "demonstrating readiness."
The soldiers were ordered to muster at dawn for inspection.
She tried to muster the energy to finish her work.
The protest was a muster of like-minded activists.
He couldn’t muster a convincing argument.
The captain mustered the crew before setting sail.