double-take
UK[ˈdʌb.əl.teɪk]US[ˈdʌb.əl.teɪk]
n
a quick second look or reaction to something surprising or unusual that one did not fully notice or understand at first
Morpheme Breakdown
double
take
double
second
take
a look
Etymology
The term 'double-take' is a modern English compound, originating in the early 20th century from the vocabulary of theater and film. It literally describes the action of 'taking' (looking at or reacting to) something 'double' or a second time. The word 'take' in this sense evolved from its meaning of 'a single continuous filmed sequence' or 'a reaction', which itself derives from the general sense of 'to seize' or 'to capture' with one's attention. Thus, the compound perfectly captures the physical and mental 're-seizing' of a surprising scene that necessitates a second, delayed look to fully comprehend it.
Analysis
Structure: double + take
- double: From Latin duplus (twofold, double). In this compound, it functions as an adjective meaning 'second' or 'repeated'.
- take: From Old English tacan (to grasp, seize). In this compound, it functions as a noun meaning 'a look' or 'a reaction'.
Examples
He did a comical double-take when he saw the price on the menu.
Her announcement was so unexpected it made me do a double-take.
The magician's trick was so smooth it didn't even provoke a double-take from the audience.