rebury
UK[ˌriːˈberi]US[ˌriˈberi]
v
To bury a dead body again, typically in a different place.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
bury
re
again
bury
inter
Etymology
The verb 'rebury' is a transparent English formation, combining the productive Latin-derived prefix 're-' with the native Germanic verb 'bury'. The prefix 're-', from Latin, signifies repetition or a return to a previous state. The core verb 'bury' originates from the Old English 'byrgan', meaning to conceal in the ground, particularly a corpse. The compound 'rebury' logically follows from its components, directly describing the action of performing the rite of burial a second time, often due to exhumation and subsequent relocation of remains.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + bury (inter)
- re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
- bury: Old English origin (byrgan), a verb meaning "to inter a corpse in the earth".
Examples
The archaeologists decided to rebury the ancient bones with full ceremonial respect.
After the flood receded, the family had to rebury their loved ones in a safer location.
The court ordered the authorities to rebury the remains in their original resting place.