divulge
UK[daɪˈvʌldʒ]US[dɪˈvʌldʒ]
v
To make known (private or sensitive information).
Morpheme Breakdown
di
vulge
di
apart, widely
vulge
to make common
Etymology
The word 'divulge' originates from the Latin 'divulgare', a compound of 'dis-' (apart, widely) and 'vulgare' (to make public). The core logic is rooted in the concept of scattering information among the common populace ('vulgus'), transforming private knowledge into widespread public knowledge. This etymological journey reflects a semantic shift from the literal act of publishing to the general populace to the modern, more abstract sense of revealing secrets or confidential details. The word entered English in the late Middle English period via Old French, retaining its core meaning of making something known to many.
Analysis
Structure: di (apart, widely) + vulge (to make common)
- di-: A form of the Latin prefix 'dis-', meaning 'apart', 'asunder', or 'widely'. It functions as an intensifier in this word.
- vulge: From the Latin root 'vulgare', meaning 'to make common or public', derived from 'vulgus' (the common people).
Examples
The company refused to divulge the financial details of the deal.
She was accused of divulging state secrets to a foreign agent.
I'm afraid I cannot divulge that information; it's confidential.