stick
stick
UK[stɪk]US[stɪk]
v
to push a pointed object into something
v
to become fixed in one position and impossible to move
v
to continue doing something despite difficulties
n
a thin piece of wood from a tree
n
a long, thin object used for a particular purpose, such as a walking stick or hockey stick
Etymology
the modern english word 'stick' derives from the old english 'sticca', meaning a rod or peg. this old english term is traced back to the proto-germanic 'stikkô', which carries the sense of a pointed object or a prick. the underlying logic connects to the proto-indo-european root '(s)teig-', meaning to prick or be sharp. this etymological journey from a sharp point to a long, thin piece of wood illustrates how a core concept of sharpness or a pointed form expanded to encompass various elongated objects, from twigs to implements, while also giving rise to the verb meaning of attaching or piercing.
Analysis
the word 'stick' is a simplex word of old english origin. it is not productively formed from smaller, independent morphemes in modern english.
Examples
he used a stick to poke the campfire.
the label wouldn't stick to the wet surface.
she decided to stick with her original plan.