cliff
UK[klɪf]US[klɪf]
n
a high area of rock with a very steep side, often at the edge of the sea or a river
Etymology
The word 'cliff' originates from the Old English 'clif', which referred to a steep, rocky slope or bank. This Old English term is believed to have descended from the Proto-Germanic 'kliban', also meaning cliff or rock face. While its ultimate origin is uncertain, it may be connected to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to stick, cleave, or adhere', conceptually linked to a prominent, sticking-out rock formation. Over centuries, the spelling and pronunciation simplified from 'clif' to 'cliff', but its core meaning of a steep, natural rock face has remained remarkably stable and concrete from its ancient Germanic roots to modern English.
Analysis
This is a simplex word of Old English origin. The modern form 'cliff' is a direct descendant of the Old English word 'clif', meaning a steep rock face or a slope.
Examples
The castle was built on top of a towering cliff overlooking the ocean.
Erosion caused a section of the cliff to collapse into the sea.
They carefully climbed down the cliff face to reach the secluded beach below.