equip
UK[ɪˈkwɪp]US[ɪˈkwɪp]
v
To provide a person or place with the items needed for a particular purpose or activity.
v
To prepare someone mentally or physically for a particular task or challenge.
Etymology
The verb 'equip' entered English in the early 16th century from the French 'équiper', which meant 'to fit out, especially a ship'. The French term likely derived from the Old Norse 'skipa', meaning 'to arrange, fit out a ship', which is related to 'skip', the Old Norse word for 'ship'. This nautical origin is evident in the word's early usage, which centered on supplying ships with necessary crew and provisions. Over time, the meaning broadened from its specific maritime context to the general sense of providing necessary items or preparation for any undertaking, reflecting a logical extension from outfitting a vessel for a voyage to preparing any entity for a task.
Analysis
The word 'equip' is a simplex loanword from French. It does not contain separable, meaningful morphemes within its modern English spelling.
Examples
The grant money will be used to equip the new science laboratory.
His military training equipped him to handle high-pressure situations.
The car comes fully equipped with the latest safety features.