cavort
UK[kəˈvɔːt]US[kəˈvɔːrt]
v
to jump or move around in a lively, excited, or energetic way
v
to spend time in a carefree, playful, or flirtatious way
Etymology
the verb 'cavort' is believed to have emerged in american english around the late 18th century. it is thought to be an alteration of the earlier verb 'curvet', which describes a horse's light leap or prance, borrowed from italian 'corvetta'. a less certain theory suggests a playful blend of 'caper' and 'vault'. regardless of its precise formation, the word's evolution reflects a shift from a specific equestrian movement to the broader, more abstract sense of lively, playful, or exuberant human behavior.
Analysis
this word is considered unsegmentable into meaningful morphemes based on its modern english spelling. its origin is likely an alteration of an earlier english word.
Examples
the children cavorted happily in the sprinklers on the hot summer day.
the lambs were cavorting in the meadow, full of spring energy.
they spent the evening cavorting at the carnival, enjoying the games and rides.