wade
UK: weɪd | US: weɪd
vi. to walk through water or another liquid or soft substance with effort
vt. to cross or pass through (water, mud, etc.) by walking
The word "wade" originates from Old English wadan, meaning "to go" or "to move forward," particularly through obstacles like water or mud. It shares roots with Germanic languages (e.g., German waten, Dutch waden), all conveying the idea of laborious movement through resistant mediums. Over time, its meaning narrowed to specifically describe walking through water or viscous substances.
The children waded happily in the shallow stream.
We had to wade through knee-deep mud after the storm.
She waded across the river, holding her shoes above her head.
The rescue team waded through floodwaters to reach the stranded family.
He waded into the debate with strong opinions.