redouble
UK[ˌriːˈdʌb.əl]US[ˌriːˈdʌb.əl]
v
to make something much greater or more intense; to increase greatly.
v
(in bridge and other card games) to double a bid or penalty that has already been doubled.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
double
re
again
double
to make twice as much
Etymology
the word "redouble" is formed from the prefix "re-" and the verb "double," both of which entered english via old french from latin. the latin prefix "re-" signifies repetition or intensity, while "duplus" means "twofold." the literal sense of "to double again" evolved in english to convey a more general and intensified meaning of making something much greater or more forceful. this semantic shift from a specific mathematical action to a broader concept of intensification illustrates how compounding can expand a word's abstract application while retaining its core logic of repeated increase.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + double (to make twice as much)
re- (prefix of Latin origin, meaning "again" or "back"). double (from Latin duplus, meaning "twofold" or "to make twice as much").
Examples
the company plans to redouble its efforts to expand into new markets.
under heavy fire, the soldiers redoubled their courage and held their position.
after losing the first set, she redoubled her focus and won the match.