deadlift
UK[ˈdɛdlɪft]US[ˈdɛdlɪft]
n
A weightlifting exercise in which a loaded barbell is lifted from the floor to the hips, then lowered back to the floor, while keeping the back straight.
v
To lift (a loaded barbell) from the floor to the hips in a single, continuous motion.
Morpheme Breakdown
dead
lift
dead
lift
Etymology
The term "deadlift" is a modern compound from the sport of weightlifting, formed from two native English words. "Dead" in this context does not refer to lifelessness but derives from its adverbial sense of "utterly" or "completely," as seen in phrases like "dead stop" or "dead weight," indicating the weight is lifted from a static, motionless position on the floor. "Lift" comes from the Old English lyft, meaning "air, sky," and its related verb meaning to raise. The compound thus logically describes the act of lifting a weight that is completely at rest, with no initial momentum.
Analysis
Structure: dead + lift
- dead (Old English): In this compound, it functions as an adjective meaning "completely, absolutely," intensifying the action.
- lift (Old English): Functions as a noun/verb root meaning "to raise from a lower to a higher position."
Examples
He set a new personal record with a 200-kilogram deadlift.
Proper form is crucial to avoid injury when you deadlift heavy weights.
The deadlift is considered one of the fundamental exercises for building overall strength.