cave
UK[keɪv]US[keɪv]
n
a large hole in the side of a hill, cliff, or mountain, or one that is underground
v
to fall in or cause something to fall in, often after weakening
Etymology
the english word "cave" originates from the latin noun "cava," meaning a hollow place, cavity, or cave, itself from the adjective "cavus," meaning hollow. this latin root is traced back to the proto-indo-european reconstruction "ḱewh₁-," which carried the sense of swelling, arching, or being vaulted, concepts related to creating a hollow space. the semantic journey moved from the general idea of a hollow to its specific natural formation. the verb sense, as in "cave in," developed in the 18th century from the image of a hollow structure collapsing into itself.
Analysis
the word "cave" is a simplex word derived from latin. it does not contain separable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the explorers discovered ancient paintings deep inside the cave.
the constant pressure from the water caused the tunnel roof to cave.
they decided to cave and accept the offer after lengthy negotiations.