cruise
UK[kruːz]US[kruːz]
v
to sail about on a pleasure trip
v
to travel at a steady speed, especially on a long journey
n
a voyage on a ship taken for pleasure, typically calling in at several places
Etymology
the modern english verb 'cruise' entered the language in the mid-17th century from dutch maritime terminology, specifically 'kruisen', meaning to sail crosswise or back and forth. this dutch term is rooted in 'kruis' (cross), which, like its english counterpart, originates from latin 'crux'. the core semantic link is the action of crossing a body of water, moving from one point to another. over time, the meaning softened from a purposeful, often tactical crossing to denote leisurely or steady travel by sea, and later by other means, emphasizing the smooth, uninterrupted motion of a crossing rather than its destination.
Analysis
the word 'cruise' is a simplex form. it is derived from the dutch word 'kruisen', meaning 'to cross, sail to and fro'. 'kruisen' itself is related to the dutch 'kruis' and old english 'crūc', both meaning 'cross', from latin 'crux, crucis'.
Examples
we decided to cruise the mediterranean for two weeks.
the car was cruising along the highway at a constant sixty miles per hour.
they went on a caribbean cruise for their honeymoon.