cradle
UK[ˈkreɪdl]US[ˈkreɪdl]
n
a small bed for a baby, especially one that can be rocked from side to side
n
the place where something important began
v
to hold something or someone gently and protectively
Etymology
the word 'cradle' originates from the old english 'cradol', meaning an infant's bed. its deeper roots are uncertain but it is likely related to old high german 'kratto' or 'krazzōn', meaning basket, and perhaps to the sanskrit 'grantha', a tying or knot, suggesting a woven or bound object. the conceptual journey is from a specific, physical object—a small, often rocking bed for an infant—to a metaphorical sense denoting the place of origin or nurturing of anything, such as an idea or civilization. the verb sense, meaning to hold gently, naturally extends from the careful, protective action associated with placing a child in a cradle.
Analysis
the word 'cradle' is a simplex word of old english origin. it is not productively formed from smaller, independent morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the baby slept peacefully in the wooden cradle.
ancient greece is often called the cradle of western civilization.
she cradled the injured bird in her hands.