spree

spree

UK[spriː]US[spriː]
n

a short period of time in which you do a lot of one activity, especially spending money or drinking alcohol

Etymology

the word 'spree' entered the english language in the early 19th century, its origins shrouded in some mystery. it is likely derived from the scots word 'spreath', meaning 'cattle raid' or 'booty', which itself came from irish 'spré', referring to cattle taken as plunder. the semantic journey is vivid: from the violent, acquisitive act of a cattle raid, the meaning broadened to describe any bout of unrestrained activity characterized by excess and lack of control. this evolution captures the core logic of the modern term, which retains the sense of a lively, indulgent, and often reckless period of action, having shed its specifically martial and rural connotations.

Analysis

this word is a simplex. it is a loanword with no separable morphemes in modern english.

Examples

she went on a shopping spree and bought three new dresses.

the team's goal spree in the second half secured their victory.

after his exams, he celebrated with a brief spree at the local pubs.