incur
UK[ɪnˈkɜː]US[ɪnˈkɜːr]
v
To become subject to (something unwelcome or unpleasant) because of one's own behavior or actions.
v
To bring (something unwelcome or unpleasant) upon oneself.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
cur
in
in, into
cur
run
Etymology
The word 'incur' originates from the Latin verb 'incurrere', a compound of the prefix 'in-' (meaning "into, upon") and the verb 'currere' (meaning "to run"). The literal sense was "to run into or against," implying a collision or encounter. Over time, this physical meaning evolved metaphorically in legal and financial contexts to signify "to run into" or "become liable for" a debt, penalty, or consequence. The modern abstract meaning retains this sense of bringing an undesirable consequence upon oneself through one's actions, as if running headlong into it.
Analysis
Structure: in (in, into) + cur (run)
'in-' is a Latin prefix meaning "in, into, on, upon". 'cur' is from the Latin root 'currere', meaning "to run".
Examples
The company incurred heavy losses during the economic downturn.
You will incur a penalty fee for late payment.
His reckless comments incurred the wrath of his superiors.