sheathe
UK: ʃiːð | US: ʃiːð
vt. to insert (a blade, sword, etc.) into a protective covering
vt. to cover or encase something for protection
vt. (figuratively) to suppress or conceal (e.g., emotions)
sheathe = sheath<protective cover> + e<verb-forming suffix>
- sheath: From Old English "scēaþ" (a scabbard or covering), derived from Proto-Germanic *skaiþiz. Originally referred to a hollow protective case for blades.
- -e: A verb-forming suffix in Middle English, often used to convert nouns into verbs (e.g., "bathe" from "bath").
Etymology Origin:
The word "sheathe" evolved from the noun "sheath," reflecting the action of placing something into its protective casing. The addition of the verbal suffix "-e" transformed it into an action word, emphasizing the process of covering or concealing. This mirrors the physical act of sliding a sword into a scabbard, later extended metaphorically to hiding emotions or objects.
He carefully sheathed his dagger after cleaning it.
The cables were sheathed in plastic to prevent damage.
She struggled to sheathe her anger during the debate.
The artisan sheathed the fragile artifact in velvet.
Trees sheathed in ice glistened under the winter sun.