dwell
UK[dwel]US[dwel]
v
To live in a particular place
v
To think, speak, or write at length about something, especially something unpleasant or distressing
Etymology
The modern English verb 'dwell' has a fascinating semantic journey. It originates from the Old English dwellan, which meant 'to lead astray, hinder, or delay'. This sense of lingering or tarrying in one place evolved, by the 12th century, into the meaning 'to abide, remain, stay'. From this core idea of remaining, the primary contemporary meaning of 'to live in a place, to reside' naturally developed. The secondary, figurative meaning of 'to think or speak at length about a subject' directly extends from this ancient concept of the mind lingering or remaining fixed on a particular thought.
Analysis
The word 'dwell' is a simplex form derived from Old English dwellan, meaning 'to lead astray, hinder, delay'.
Examples
They dwell in a small cottage by the sea.
It's not good to dwell on past mistakes.
Many fantasy creatures are said to dwell in deep forests.