dart
UK[dɑːt]US[dɑːrt]
v
To move suddenly and quickly in a particular direction.
n
A small, thin object with a sharp point that is thrown by hand or shot from a gun or blowpipe.
n
A sudden, quick movement.
Etymology
The word 'dart' entered English in the early 14th century from Old French 'dart' or 'dart', meaning a spear or javelin. This Old French term is believed to be of Frankish (Germanic) origin, related to Old High German 'tart', meaning a javelin, and possibly to Old English 'daroth', with the same meaning. The core concept has always been a pointed missile weapon. The verb sense, "to move suddenly like a thrown dart," developed naturally from the noun in the late 16th century, capturing the essence of swift, direct, and targeted motion.
Analysis
The word 'dart' is a simplex word of Old French origin. It cannot be meaningfully segmented into smaller, independent morphemes in modern English.
Examples
The lizard darted into a crack in the wall.
He was skilled at throwing darts and often won at the pub.
She made a dart for the door before anyone could stop her.