autograph-seeker
UK[ˈɔːtəɡrɑːf ˌsiːkə]US[ˈɔːtəɡræf ˌsiːkər]
n
a person who tries to get the signature of a famous person, typically as a hobby or for collection.
Morpheme Breakdown
autograph
seeker
autograph
seeker
one who seeks
Etymology
the compound noun 'autograph-seeker' is a modern english formation, combining two established words. 'autograph' originates from greek, via latin and french, literally meaning 'self-written', which evolved to denote a signature, especially one of a notable person. 'seeker' derives from the old english verb 'sēcan', with the agent suffix '-er' indicating a person who performs the action. the compound logically describes an individual whose purpose is to find and obtain such signatures, reflecting a cultural practice tied to celebrity and fandom.
Analysis
Structure: autograph + seeker
autograph: from greek 'autos' (self) and 'graph' (write); a compound noun meaning a person's own handwritten signature.
seeker: from old english 'sēcan' (to seek); the suffix '-er' denotes an agent noun, meaning 'one who seeks'.
Examples
the hotel lobby was crowded with autograph-seekers hoping to catch a glimpse of the movie star.
as a dedicated autograph-seeker, he traveled to many conventions and premieres.
security had to manage the enthusiastic autograph-seekers gathered outside the stage door.