convoy
UK[ˈkɒnvɔɪ]US[ˈkɑːnvɔɪ]
n
A group of vehicles or ships traveling together, typically for protection or with an escort.
v
To travel with and protect a group of vehicles or ships.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
voy
con
together, with
voy
road, way
Etymology
The word 'convoy' entered English in the 14th century from the Old French verb 'convoier', which meant 'to accompany on the way'. This French term itself was built from the Latin prefix 'com-' (together) and the Latin noun 'via' (road, way). The literal sense of "traveling together on the same road" evolved into the specialized military and logistical meaning of a group traveling under protection. Thus, the modern abstract concept of an escorted group retains the core logic of a shared journey.
Analysis
Structure: con + voy
- con: A prefix from Latin, meaning 'together, with'.
- voy: A root from Latin 'via', meaning 'road, way'. The form 'voy' is a direct substring derived from the Old French verb 'convoier', meaning 'to escort'.
Examples
The supply trucks moved through the desert in a military convoy.
The oil tanker was convoyed by two naval frigates.
A convoy of ambulances rushed to the scene of the disaster.