borrow
UK[ˈbɒrəʊ]US[ˈbɔːroʊ]
v
to take and use something that belongs to someone else, with the intention of returning it
v
to take and use money from a bank or similar organization under an agreement to pay it back later
v
to take and use an idea, word, or method that was first used by another person, country, etc.
Etymology
the word 'borrow' descends directly from the old english verb 'borgian', meaning "to pledge, to take a pledge, to lend, to borrow." this old english term is derived from the proto-germanic root burgōną, which carries the sense of a pledge or security. the core semantic concept has always involved a temporary transfer of something, secured by a promise of its return or repayment. this notion of a reciprocal pledge or guarantee is the logical foundation that connects the ancient meaning to the modern abstract sense of taking something temporarily with permission. the word's journey from old english to middle english ('borwen') and into modern english shows a remarkable stability in both form and its central meaning of temporary acquisition.
Analysis
this is a simplex word of old english origin. it is not productively formed from smaller, independent morphemes in modern english.
Examples
can i borrow your pen for a moment?
they had to borrow heavily from the bank to start their business.
many languages borrow words from english in the field of technology.