reeking
UK[ˈriːkɪŋ]US[ˈriːkɪŋ]
adj
Giving off a very strong and unpleasant smell.
adj
(reeking of/with something) Showing a large amount of a negative quality very clearly.
Morpheme Breakdown
reek
ing
reek
to smell strongly
ing
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'reeking' originates from the Old English verb rēocan, meaning to emit smoke, steam, or vapor, which is of Proto-Germanic origin. This root is related to the sensory experience of a strong, often unpleasant, emanation. Over time, the meaning shifted from the neutral emission of vapor to specifically denote a powerful and offensive stench. The addition of the '-ing' suffix transforms the verb into an adjective, describing something that is actively and noticeably emitting such a smell, or, by figurative extension, is thoroughly saturated with a negative quality.
Analysis
Structure: reek (to smell strongly) + ing (adjective suffix)
- reek: From Old English rēocan (to emit smoke or vapor), of Germanic origin.
- ing: A suffix of Germanic origin used to form present participles and adjectives from verbs.
Examples
The reeking garbage bin attracted a swarm of flies.
His story was reeking of dishonesty, so no one believed him.
They emerged from the old cellar, their clothes reeking of damp and mildew.