ford
UK[fɔːd]US[fɔːrd]
n
A shallow place in a river or stream where it is possible to cross by walking or driving.
v
To cross a river or stream at a shallow place.
Etymology
The word 'ford' has a direct and ancient lineage from Proto-Germanic furduz, meaning a shallow crossing point. This term is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root per-, meaning "to lead, pass over," which is also the source for words like 'fare' and 'ferry.' In Old English, it was 'ford,' retaining the same core meaning. The logic of its evolution is straightforward: the original concept of a place to cross a waterway has remained remarkably stable from its prehistoric roots to its modern concrete and verbal uses.
Analysis
This is a simplex word of Old English origin. The entire word functions as a single, unanalyzable morpheme in modern English.
Examples
We found a safe ford to cross the river with our horses.
The ancient road required travelers to ford the stream at this point.
After heavy rains, the usual ford was too deep to attempt.