hideout
UK[ˈhaɪdaʊt]US[ˈhaɪdaʊt]
n
A place where someone goes to hide or to be alone, especially to avoid being found by the police or other people.
Morpheme Breakdown
hide
out
hide
conceal
out
external location
Etymology
The word 'hideout' is a transparent compound formed within Modern English from two native Germanic elements. The verb 'hide', tracing back to Old English hȳdan, carries the ancient sense of putting something out of sight or keeping it secret. The particle 'out', from Old English ūt, originally denoted a position external to a boundary or enclosure. When combined, these elements logically construct the meaning of a secluded place located away from common view, specifically for the purpose of concealment. This compound noun emerged in American English in the late 19th century, vividly capturing the concept of a remote refuge used by those evading authority.
Analysis
Structure: hide (conceal) + out (external location)
- hide: From Old English hȳdan (to hide, conceal, bury), of Germanic origin. Functions as the core verb root meaning to conceal.
- out: From Old English ūt (out, outside, abroad), of Germanic origin. Functions as an adverbial particle indicating an external or secluded location.
Examples
The fugitives used a remote cabin in the woods as their hideout.
The police discovered the criminal's hideout after a lengthy surveillance operation.
The children built a secret hideout in the backyard using old blankets and cardboard boxes.