stoop
stoop
UK[stuːp]US[stuːp]
v
to bend the body forwards and downwards
v
to lower one's moral standards so far as to do something wrong or shameful
n
a posture in which the head and shoulders are habitually bent forwards
n
a small porch or set of steps leading to the entrance of a house
Etymology
the word 'stoop' originates from the old english 'stūpian', a verb meaning to bow or bend. it is part of a family of germanic words related to bending or inclining, such as the middle low german 'stūpen'. the core semantic concept of bending the body forwards has remained remarkably consistent from its old english roots to its modern usage. over time, this physical meaning was metaphorically extended to describe a lowering of one's moral posture or dignity, while the noun form also came to denote architectural features, like a small porch, that involve a descent or step down.
Analysis
this is a simplex word of germanic origin. the modern english form derives from the old english verb 'stūpian', meaning 'to bow, bend'. its functional role is as a complete lexical root.
Examples
she had to stoop to pick up the coin from the floor.
he would never stoop to using such dishonest tactics.
we sat on the front stoop and watched the sunset.