clog
UK[klɒɡ]US[klɑːɡ]
n
A shoe with a thick, usually wooden, sole
n
A block of wood attached to something, especially a wheel, to hinder movement
v
To block or become blocked with a thick, sticky mass
Etymology
The word 'clog' emerged in Middle English, denoting a block of wood. Its origins are likely from a Germanic root, possibly related to Middle Dutch 'clogge' meaning 'lump of wood' or Norwegian 'klugu' meaning 'knob of wood'. The core semantic thread connects the idea of a solid, heavy block to its modern meanings: a heavy wooden-soled shoe, a device to impede a wheel, and the action of blocking something. The verb sense, meaning to obstruct, developed naturally from the physical object used to block movement.
Analysis
The word 'clog' is a simplex word of Middle English origin, likely from a Germanic base. Its core sense relates to a block or lump of something.
Examples
She wore traditional clogs while working in the garden.
A piece of hair clogged the drain in the bathroom sink.
Traffic clogs the city streets during the morning rush hour.