soar
UK[sɔː(r)]US[sɔːr]
v
to fly or rise high in the air
v
to increase quickly to a high level
Etymology
the word 'soar' traces its lineage to the latin word for a breeze or gentle wind, 'aura'. through vulgar latin, it combined with the prefix 'ex-' to form a verb meaning 'to rise into the air'. this term was adopted into old french before entering middle english. the core semantic link has been preserved throughout its journey: the concept of rising or lifting, much like a bird or a current of air, which directly informs its modern meanings of flying high or increasing dramatically.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is derived from the old french verb 'essorer', meaning 'to expose to air, to fly up'. 'essorer' itself came from vulgar latin 'exaurare', a compound of latin 'ex-' (out) and 'aura' (air, breeze).
Examples
eagles soar effortlessly on thermal updrafts.
temperatures are expected to soar into the hundreds this weekend.
her spirits soared when she received the good news.