check
UK[tʃek]US[tʃek]
v
to examine something to make sure it is correct, safe, or satisfactory
v
to stop or slow the progress of something
n
an examination to make sure something is correct, safe, or in good condition
n
a pattern of squares, especially on cloth
n
a piece of paper that directs a bank to pay money from one account to another
Etymology
The word 'check' entered English in the 14th century from the Old French 'eschequier', meaning 'to threaten the king in chess', which itself came from the Persian 'shah', meaning 'king'. The original sense was the chess move announcing "check!", a threat to the king. This concept of a stoppage or control evolved metaphorically. From the idea of stopping an opponent's king, the meaning broadened to include verifying or halting something to ensure it is correct or under control, leading to its modern financial and verification senses. The pattern sense derives from the design of a chessboard.
Analysis
The word 'check' is a simplex word derived from Old French. Its core spelling and sound have remained largely intact through its borrowing into Middle English.
Examples
Please check the report for any errors before submitting it.
The new safety regulations are intended to check the spread of the virus.
She wrote a check to pay for the groceries.