The word "hoard" is spelled with four letters: h-o-a-r-d. The phonetic transcription in IPA is /hɔːd/. The first sound /h/ is a voiceless glottal fricative, followed by the vowel sound /ɔː/, which is an open-mid back rounded vowel. The third sound /r/ is a voiced alveolar trill, and the final sound /d/ is a voiced alveolar stop. This word is commonly used to describe a collection of valuable items that are stored or hidden away, especially in a secret place.
Hoard is a noun and verb that typically refers to an accumulation or a stockpile of something, most commonly valuable objects or resources, that is kept or stored for future use or security. As a noun, it describes the act of collecting and keeping a large quantity of items, often in a hidden or secret place. It implies a sense of secrecy or possessiveness over the collected items. Hoards can include treasures, money, food, weapons, or any valuable possessions that are preserved or concealed.
As a verb, hoard means to accumulate or amass a large quantity of something. It involves the deliberate act of collecting and storing items, especially in excess or beyond what is necessary. Hoarding often entails keeping items hidden or stored away from public view. The verb can also convey an element of greed or possessiveness, suggesting a penchant for acquiring and retaining a surplus of belongings.
In some contexts, hoarding can have negative connotations, referring to the excessive accumulation of items beyond reasonable use or need. It is often associated with the inability or unwillingness to discard or let go of possessions, which can lead to cluttered living spaces and impaired functionality. However, hoarding can also be seen as a deliberate strategy to secure resources or as a hobby, such as collecting items for their historical or cultural value.
• A store or stock of anything accumulated or laid up; a hidden stock; a treasure.
• To collect and lay up a quantity of anything; to amass or store up secretly.
• A timber fence enclosing builders while at work; a fence about any building while erecting or under repair.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "hoard" has its origins in Old English, derived from the Old Norse word "hórðr". "Hórðr" meant "treasure" or "a store of valuables". It ultimately comes from the Proto-Germanic word "*huzdą", which meant "hidden treasure" or "to hide". This connection to hiding or storing valuables is reflected in the modern meaning of "hoard", referring to a stockpile or collection of valuable items that is kept hidden or secret.