hangover
UK[ˈhæŋˌəʊvə]US[ˈhæŋˌoʊvər]
n
the unpleasant physical effects after drinking too much alcohol, such as a headache and stomach sickness.
n
a feeling or effect that remains from something in the past.
Morpheme Breakdown
hang
over
hang
sense
over
sense
Etymology
the word 'hangover' is a compound formed from two native english elements, 'hang' and 'over'. it originated in the late 19th century, initially describing the condition of something unfinished or remaining from a previous state. the logic is vividly metaphorical: the unpleasant after-effects of excessive drinking are conceptualized as something that 'hangs over' from the night before, lingering like a persistent shadow or a suspended condition. this sense of a lingering residue was then extended to describe any remaining feeling or consequence from a past event, solidifying the word's modern dual meanings.
Analysis
Structure: hang (sense) + over (sense)
hang: from old english hōn, meaning "to be suspended". in this compound, it carries the sense of something lingering or remaining.
over: from old english ofer, meaning "above, beyond, in excess". in this compound, it intensifies the sense of excess and continuation.
Examples
he had a terrible hangover and couldn't go to work.
the economic crisis is a hangover from the previous government's policies.
she drank plenty of water to avoid a hangover the next morning.