dream
UK[driːm]US[driːm]
n
A series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep.
n
A cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal.
v
Experience dreams during sleep.
v
Indulge in daydreams or fantasies about something greatly desired.
Etymology
The word 'dream' originates from the Old English 'drēam', which originally meant joy, mirth, or music. This sense is related to Old Saxon 'drōm' (mirth, dream) and Old Norse 'draumr'. The semantic shift from 'joy' or 'noise' to the sleeping vision occurred in Middle English, influenced by related words in other Germanic languages. The modern abstract meaning of an aspiration or ideal developed later, metaphorically extending from the intangible, often desirable, nature of dreams experienced in sleep.
Analysis
The word 'dream' is a simplex word of Old English origin. It does not contain separable morphemes in its modern English form.
Examples
I had a strange and vivid dream last night.
Her lifelong dream was to travel the world.
He would often dream of becoming a famous artist.