dreadlock
UK[ˈdredlɒk]US[ˈdredlɑːk]
n
A length of hair that is twisted into a thick rope-like strand, often as part of a hairstyle traditionally worn by Rastafarians.
n
(dreadlocks, plural) A hairstyle consisting of such strands of hair.
Morpheme Breakdown
dread
lock
dread
to fear greatly
lock
a lock of hair, a tress
Etymology
The term "dreadlock" is a compound word formed in the mid-20th century, directly from English components. The first element, "dread," carries a dual connotation. It references the awe-inspiring or "fearful" appearance the matted locks had to outsiders, while within the Rastafarian faith, it signifies a "dread" or profound respect for God, with the locks symbolizing a rejection of Babylonian vanity and a connection to spiritual strength. The second element, "lock," derives from the Old English word for a strand of hair. Thus, the word's literal construction, "a lock of hair associated with dread," encapsulates both the hairstyle's striking visual form and its deep socio-religious significance, evolving from a descriptive term into the specific name for a culturally and spiritually potent hairstyle.
Analysis
Structure: dread + lock
- dread: From Middle English 'dreden', meaning "to fear greatly". In this context, it refers to the awe or fear the hairstyle was said to inspire, or a Rastafarian term for a "dread" or righteous person.
- lock: From Old English 'locc', meaning "a lock of hair, a tress".
Examples
He has been growing his dreadlocks for over ten years.
The musician's long dreadlocks swayed as he played the drums.
Dreadlocks are often associated with Rastafarian culture and identity.