protrude
Meaning
to stick out from a surface or beyond an edge
to cause (something) to project or extend outward
Structure
Usage
a sharp rock protruded from the cliff face.
he made sure no wires protruded from the wall panel.
the branch protruded dangerously over the sidewalk.
Etymology
the word "protrude" is built from two latin elements. the prefix "pro-", meaning "forward" or "outward", combines with the verb root "trudere", meaning "to thrust" or "to push". this literal combination, "to thrust forward", entered english in the early 17th century from the latin past participle protrusus. the semantic logic is direct and physical: the modern meaning of something sticking out or projecting is a precise reflection of the original action of being pushed forth.
Analysis
- pro: a prefix from latin, meaning "forward, forth, out". - trude: a root from latin trudere, meaning "to thrust, to push".