HEAVE OVERBOARD Meaning and
Definition
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To heave overboard refers to the act of throwing or tossing something or someone off a boat, ship, or any other floating vessel into the water, often to get rid of a burden, discard an unwanted item, or evacuate a person in an emergency situation. This action typically involves considerable force to propel the object or individual away from the vessel and into the water below.
The phrase "heave overboard" is commonly used in nautical or maritime contexts and often implies a deliberate and forceful action. It can be done in response to various situations such as removing excess cargo, dumping waste material, or jettisoning a person in peril, particularly during maritime emergencies like shipwrecks or imminent sinking.
The act of heaving someone or something overboard can have serious consequences, as the individual or object is left to fend for itself in the water, provoking potential danger, loss, or uncertainty. Historically, tossing individuals overboard was a common occurrence in emergency situations, either as a last resort to save others or as a ruthless means to lighten the load and enhance the survival chances of the majority.
In summary, to heave overboard means forcefully and intentionally throwing someone or something off a vessel into the water, often in emergency situations, with the aim of discarding a burden, eliminating waste, or saving the lives of others.
Common Misspellings for HEAVE OVERBOARD
- heave overboavd
- heave overboapd
- heave overboasd
- heave overboart
- heave overboarl
- heaveoverboord
- heaveoverbord
- h eave overboard
- he ave overboard
- hea ve overboard
- heav e overboard
- heave o verboard
- heave ov erboard
- heave ove rboard
- heave over board
- heave overb oard
- heave overbo ard
- heave overboa rd
- heave overboar d
Etymology of HEAVE OVERBOARD
The word "heave" comes from the Old English word "hebban", which means "to lift" or "to raise". It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "hebjanan", ultimately originating from the Proto-Indo-European root "*kap-" meaning "to grasp" or "to hold".
The term "overboard" dates back to the late 15th century and is a compound word combining "over" and "board". "Over" in this context means "across" or "beyond", while "board" refers to the side of a ship or boat. Therefore, "overboard" specifically refers to something being thrown or falling from the side of a ship into the water.
When we combine "heave" and "overboard", it forms a phrase used in nautical contexts.
