lose
UK[luːz]US[luːz]
v
to be unable to find something
v
to fail to keep or maintain something (e.g., control, a job, a game)
v
to have less of something (e.g., weight, money, time)
Etymology
the modern verb "lose" originates from the old english verb losian, meaning "to perish or be lost." this old english term is itself derived from the proto-germanic root lausa-, which carried the sense of "dissolution" or "loosening," and is related to the old english adjective leas, meaning "false" or "empty." the core semantic thread from its ancient roots to its current meaning is the concept of separation or deprivation—becoming free from or lacking something. this evolved from the physical idea of loosening or dissolving into the more abstract notions of misplacement, failure to retain, and reduction.
Analysis
the word "lose" is a simplex form derived from old english. it does not contain separable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
i always lose my keys when i'm in a hurry.
the team did not want to lose the championship title.
she hopes to lose five pounds before the summer.