sinkhole
UK[ˈsɪŋkhəʊl]US[ˈsɪŋkhoʊl]
n
A hole in the ground formed when the surface layer collapses into a cavity below.
n
A situation or place where money or resources are lost or consumed in large quantities.
Morpheme Breakdown
sink
hole
sink
hole
Etymology
The word "sinkhole" is a transparent compound from two native English elements. "Sink" originates from the Proto-Germanic verb sinkwaną, carrying the core sense of descending or submerging. "Hole" derives from Proto-Germanic hulą, denoting a hollow or cavity. The compound logically describes a landform where the ground literally "sinks" into a "hole" or cavity beneath it, a process known as karst topography. By the 18th century, its meaning extended metaphorically to describe any entity that drains or consumes resources, much like a physical cavity swallows the land above.
Analysis
Structure: sink + hole
- sink: From Old English sincan (to become submerged, go under). A verb root describing downward motion.
- hole: From Old English hol (a hollow place, cave). A noun root describing an empty or concave space.
Examples
The sudden appearance of a large sinkhole in the middle of the street halted all traffic.
That outdated factory became a financial sinkhole for the company, draining its profits for years.
Geologists are studying the area to map potential sinkholes and prevent future collapses.