hitch
UK[hɪtʃ]US[hɪtʃ]
v
to get a free ride in a vehicle by standing at the side of the road and signaling to the driver
v
to fasten or connect something to another object, especially temporarily
n
a temporary problem or difficulty that causes a short delay
Etymology
the verb 'hitch' emerged in middle english, with its earliest recorded sense being 'to move jerkily' or 'to hobble'. its origin is uncertain, but it is not derived from classical roots. the modern meanings evolved logically from this core idea of a jerky motion: to 'hitch' a ride involves a sudden, often jerky, movement into a vehicle, while to 'hitch' an object often involves a pulling or jerking motion to secure it. the noun sense, meaning a temporary obstacle, derives from the idea of a jerky halt or interruption in progress.
Analysis
this word is considered unsegmentable into meaningful morphemes within modern english spelling. it is a word of obscure origin, possibly from middle english hicchen, meaning to move jerkily.
Examples
we managed to hitch a ride with a friendly truck driver.
he hitched the trailer to the back of his car.
the ceremony went off without a hitch.