rear
UK: rɪə | US: rɪr
n. the back part of something
vt. to raise or care for (young animals or children)
vi. (of an animal) to rise on the hind legs
The word "rear" traces back to Old English hrēr, meaning "back" or "hindmost part." Over time, it retained its core sense of spatial position (e.g., "rear of a building") while also developing verbal meanings like "to raise" (originally linked to lifting or elevating from behind). The dual meanings reflect a logical progression: the "back" as both a physical location and a metaphorical origin point for nurturing growth (e.g., rearing children).
The garden is at the rear of the house.
Farmers rear livestock for wool and meat.
The horse reared in fright at the loud noise.
She carefully reared the orphaned puppies.
The rear entrance is less crowded than the front.