chock
UK[tʃɒk]US[tʃɑːk]
n
a block or wedge placed against a wheel or other object to prevent it from moving.
v
to prevent the movement of something by using a chock.
Etymology
the word 'chock' first appeared in late middle english, around the 17th century, with the specific meaning of a block or wedge used to stop a wheel. its origins are obscure but it is possibly related to old north french 'choque' (a log) or dialectal french 'soc' (a block of wood), though these connections are not definitive. some etymologists suggest it may be an onomatopoeic formation, imitating the sound of a heavy object being jammed into place. from its concrete use for securing ships' boats and barrels, its usage expanded to any similar securing device in various mechanical and industrial contexts.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form. it is likely of uncertain, possibly onomatopoeic or dialectal origin.
Examples
the pilot placed a chock under the aircraft's wheel before shutting down the engines.
for safety, always chock the trailer wheels when it is unhitched from the vehicle.
the warehouse worker used a wooden chock to stop the heavy crate from rolling.