stuck

UK: stʌk | US: stʌk

Definition

  1. adj. unable to move or escape from a position

  2. adj. fixed in place; jammed

  3. v. (past tense and past participle of stick) to adhere or become fastened

Structure
stick <to adhere>
Etymology

stuck = stick<to adhere> + (past tense suffix)

  • stick: From Old English stician ("to pierce, remain fixed"), Proto-Germanic stik- ("to be sharp"). Retains core meaning of attachment or immobility.
  • -uck: Past tense/past participle suffix in English, marking completed action (e.g., strike → struck).

Etymology Origin:
Originally from Old English stician, stuck evolved as the irregular past tense of stick, reflecting Germanic strong verb patterns. The modern sense of "immobile" emerged from the literal idea of being "fixed in place" (like an object glued or jammed).

Examples

  1. The door is stuck; I can’t push it open.

  2. She got stuck in traffic for an hour.

  3. The stamp stuck to the envelope firmly.

  4. His arm was stuck between the rocks.

  5. We’re stuck with this problem until someone finds a solution.