gallivant
UK[ˌɡæl.ɪˈvænt]US[ˈɡæl.əˌvænt]
v
to go or travel to many different places for pleasure
v
to go about in search of pleasure or amusement, especially with members of the opposite sex
Etymology
the word 'gallivant' emerged in the early 19th century, its origins shrouded in playful alteration and folk etymology. it is widely believed to be a humorous elaboration or corruption of the earlier word 'gallant,' which was used as a verb meaning 'to play the gallant' or 'to gad about.' the '-ivant' ending may have been influenced by other words suggesting frivolous movement, like 'levant' (to run away). thus, 'gallivant' carries the inherited sense of a gallant's behavior—roaming about in a showy, pleasure-seeking manner—but amplifies it with a whimsical, nonsensical suffix, perfectly capturing the lighthearted, aimless nature of the activity it describes.
Analysis
this word is considered unsegmentable into meaningful morphemes based on its modern english spelling and etymology. it is treated as a simplex word.
Examples
she spent the summer gallivanting around europe.
instead of doing his chores, he was off gallivanting with his friends.
the socialite was known for gallivanting from one exclusive party to another.