dreamcatcher
UK[ˈdriːmˌkætʃə]US[ˈdriːmˌkætʃər]
n
A small hoop containing a net of threads and decorated with feathers and beads, originally made by some Indigenous North American peoples and believed to catch bad dreams and let good dreams pass through.
n
A representation or object resembling such a traditional item, often used as a decorative ornament.
Morpheme Breakdown
dream
catcher
dream
a series of thoughts and images in sleep
catcher
one that catches
Etymology
The word 'dreamcatcher' is a modern English compound, transparently combining two common nouns. The first element, 'dream', originates from Old English 'drēam', which initially meant "joy, noise, music" before its meaning narrowed to the sleeping visions we know today. The second element, 'catcher', is an agent noun from the verb 'catch', which entered English from Old North French 'cachier' meaning "to chase, capture". The compound itself is a direct translation or calque of the Ojibwe term 'asabikeshiinh' (meaning "spider") or the descriptive concept behind the object. It was formed in the 20th century to name the traditional Ojibwe protective charm, which filters dreams, logically marrying the concept of the thing caught ('dream') with the functional agent that performs the catching ('catcher').
Analysis
Structure: dream (a series of thoughts and images in sleep) + catcher (one that catches)
dream: Old English, from Proto-Germanic, meaning "joy, music, dream". Functions as the object or target of the action.
catcher: English, derived from the verb 'catch' (from Old North French) + the agentive suffix '-er'. Functions as the agent performing the action.
Examples
A colorful dreamcatcher hung from the rearview mirror of her car.
She bought a small dreamcatcher as a souvenir from the cultural festival.
According to legend, the dreamcatcher traps nightmares in its web while allowing good dreams to drift down the feathers.