crimp
UK[krɪmp]US[krɪmp]
v
To press cloth, paper, or hair into small, regular folds.
v
To make something less strong or effective; to have a limiting effect.
n
A small, tight wave or fold.
Etymology
The word 'crimp' originates from the Old English 'gecrympan', meaning 'to curl' or 'to crimp', which is related to 'crump', meaning 'crooked'. This points to a Proto-Germanic root conveying the sense of something bent or curved. The semantic journey is direct: from the physical action of bending or folding material into small, tight curves, the term evolved to metaphorically describe the act of hampering or putting a figurative 'bend' in progress, thus limiting effectiveness. Its consistent core imagery is one of introducing a constrained, wavy, or obstructive form.
Analysis
The word 'crimp' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. Its core form has remained largely intact from its Old English ancestor.
Examples
She used a special iron to crimp her hair for the party.
High energy costs could crimp the company's profits this quarter.
The fabric had a delicate crimp that gave it a textured appearance.