entomb
UK[ɪnˈtuːm]US[ɪnˈtuːm]
v
to place a dead body in a tomb or grave; to bury
v
(figurative) to surround or cover something completely, as if burying it
Morpheme Breakdown
en
tomb
en
to put into
tomb
a burial place
Etymology
the word "entomb" is a compound formed from the prefix "en-" and the noun "tomb". the prefix "en-", derived from latin "in-" meaning "in, into", was adopted into middle english from old french. it functions to turn the noun into a verb, indicating the action of putting something into a tomb. the noun "tomb" entered english via old french "tombe", from latin "tumba", which itself originates from greek "tymbos", meaning a burial mound or sepulchre. thus, the literal meaning "to put into a tomb" has remained remarkably consistent, while also developing a figurative sense for anything that is completely enclosed or covered as if buried.
Analysis
Structure: en (to put into) + tomb (a burial place)
- en: a prefix of french and latin origin, meaning "to put into, to cause to be".
- tomb: a noun of greek origin (via latin and old french), meaning "a burial place, a grave".
Examples
the pharaohs were entombed with their treasures in the great pyramids.
the ancient city was entombed in volcanic ash for centuries.
she felt entombed in the windowless office, cut off from the outside world.