piercing
UK[ˈpɪəsɪŋ]US[ˈpɪrsɪŋ]
adj
(of a sound) very sharp, high, and clear, often in an unpleasant way.
adj
(of eyes or a look) seeming to notice everything and making you feel nervous or embarrassed.
adj
(of wind or cold) very strong and feeling as if it is going right through you.
adj
(of a feeling) very strong and affecting you deeply.
n
the activity or practice of making a hole in part of the body so that a piece of jewelry can be worn there.
Morpheme Breakdown
pierce
ing
pierce
to make a hole
ing
adjective/noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'piercing' originates from the verb 'pierce', which entered english from old french in the 13th century. the french term likely evolved from a vulgar latin verb based on the classical latin 'pertundere', meaning 'to bore or thrust through'. the core concept of penetrating a barrier remains central. by adding the english participial suffix '-ing', the word transforms into an adjective or noun, describing something that metaphorically or literally penetrates, whether it is a sharp sound that cuts through silence, an intense gaze that seems to see through a person, a cold wind that penetrates clothing, or the physical act of making a hole in the body for adornment.
Analysis
Structure: pierce (to make a hole) + ing (adjective/noun suffix)
pierce (from old french 'percer', meaning 'to bore through, penetrate', of uncertain origin, possibly vulgar latin pertusiare, from latin pertusus, past participle of pertundere 'to thrust or bore through'). ing (a suffix of old english origin forming present participles of verbs, which can function as adjectives or nouns).
Examples
she let out a piercing scream when she saw the spider.
he fixed me with a piercing stare that made me feel very uncomfortable.
body piercing has become a common form of self-expression.