prep
UK[prep]US[prep]
n
The work of preparing for something, especially schoolwork or a medical operation.
v
To prepare for something, especially an exam.
Etymology
The word 'prep' is a modern English abbreviation, originating in the early 20th century as a shortened form of the verb 'prepare' or the noun 'preparation'. This process of clipping is common in informal and educational contexts, creating concise, colloquial terms. Its primary semantic domain evolved within school and college slang, specifically referring to preparatory work or study. The logic is purely functional, trading etymological transparency for brevity and ease of use in casual speech.
Analysis
The word is a clipping of the verb "prepare". It is not composed of productive morphemes in its current form.
Examples
I have a lot of prep to do for my history test tomorrow.
She spent the evening prepping for her job interview.
The patient is in prep for surgery right now.