fill
UK[fɪl]US[fɪl]
v
To make something full or to occupy all of a space.
v
To put a substance into a hole, gap, or container so it becomes level or full.
v
To perform the duties of a position or role.
Etymology
The word 'fill' originates from the Old English verb fyllan, which meant "to make full, fill up, replenish." This Old English term is derived from the Proto-Germanic fullijaną, meaning "to make full," which is itself a causative verb formed from the root fullaz, meaning "full." This root can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European pl̥h₁nós, also meaning "full." The semantic journey is direct and robust: from the ancient concept of fullness, a verb was created to describe the action of causing that state. Over centuries, the spelling simplified from fyllan to 'fill,' while its core meaning of making something full has remained remarkably stable.
Analysis
The word 'fill' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It functions as a verb root.
Examples
Please fill the glass with water.
The auditorium began to fill with eager attendees.
She will fill the vacant managerial position starting next month.