roast
UK[rəʊst]US[roʊst]
v
to cook food, especially meat, in an oven or over a fire
v
to criticize or tease someone severely or humorously
n
a piece of roasted meat
n
an event where someone is subjected to good-natured mockery and jokes
Etymology
the word "roast" entered english from the old french "rostir" around the 13th century. this old french term itself has germanic roots, likely from a frankish source, connecting it to words like old high german "rōsten," meaning to cook on a grate or gridiron. the core concept has always involved dry-heat cooking, typically over a fire or in an oven. over time, the meaning expanded metaphorically, most notably in the 18th century, to describe subjecting someone to severe criticism or heat, which evolved into the modern sense of a humorous public mockery at a "roast."
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is derived from the old french 'rostir', which is of germanic origin, related to dutch 'roosten' and german 'rösten', meaning to roast or grill.
Examples
we decided to roast a chicken for sunday dinner.
the comedian was famously roasted by his peers at the charity gala.
the aroma of the sunday roast filled the entire house.