doorpost
UK[ˈdɔːpəʊst]US[ˈdɔːrpoʊst]
n
A vertical post or pillar forming the side of a doorway, to which a door is fastened by hinges.
Morpheme Breakdown
door
post
door
door, gate, portal
post
pillar, stake, beam
Etymology
The word 'doorpost' is a transparent compound from two deeply rooted Germanic and Latin-derived elements. 'Door' originates from the Proto-Indo-European root dhwer-, meaning "door, doorway, gate", which evolved directly into the Old English terms. 'Post' entered English from Latin postis, meaning "doorpost" itself, via Old French, and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European po-sd-i-, meaning "to sit, settle, be placed". The compound's logic is perfectly literal: it names the specific upright beam ('post') that is part of or situated beside a doorway ('door'), forming the structural side against which the door swings. This concrete architectural term has retained its direct, compositional meaning from its Old English formation to the present day.
Analysis
Structure: door + post
door: From Old English duru/dor, meaning "door, gate, portal". A Germanic root functioning as the core noun.
post: From Old English post, meaning "pillar, stake, beam", borrowed via Old French from Latin postis meaning "doorpost, stake". Functions as a noun specifying the type of object.
Examples
The ancient covenant was inscribed on the doorpost of the house.
He leaned against the wooden doorpost while waiting.
The impact of the slammed door shook the entire doorpost.