attach
UK[əˈtætʃ]US[əˈtætʃ]
v
To fasten or join one thing to another.
v
To assign or associate someone with a group, organization, or place.
v
To include or add something, especially as an extra part or feature.
Etymology
The verb 'attach' entered English in the 14th century from the Old French 'atachier', meaning "to fasten, fix, or stake." This Old French term likely evolved from a hypothetical Vulgar Latin 'attaccare', which meant "to fasten or nail to." The ultimate origin is Germanic, possibly related to a Frankish word 'stakōn' meaning "stake" or "post," reflecting the literal action of securing something to a fixed point. Over time, the meaning broadened from physical fastening to include abstract associations, such as assigning importance or connecting people to institutions.
Analysis
The word 'attach' is a simplex form derived from Old French. It cannot be meaningfully segmented into smaller, independent morphemes using its modern English spelling.
Examples
Please attach the file to your email before sending it.
A copy of his passport was attached to the application form.
The research unit is attached to the university's medical school.