The phrase "stows away" is commonly used to describe a person who hides on a ship or airplane in order to travel without permission. The word "stows" is spelled with the same consonant cluster "st" found in words like "start" and "stop". The vowel sound is pronounced like "oh" as in the word "boat". The IPA phonetic transcription for "stows" is /stoʊz/. The suffix "-away" is spelled with a long "a" sound and the sound of the letter "w". The IPA transcription for "away" is /əˈweɪ/.
Stows away is a verb phrase that refers to the act of secretly hiding oneself or an object on a vehicle or vessel in order to travel or transport without being detected or having the necessary authorization. The term "stow away" usually implies an illegal or covert manner of boarding a ship, airplane, train, or any other form of transportation. This can be done by concealment in a concealed compartment, inside cargo, or in any secluded area that avoids detection.
Stowing away often involves an individual or group attempting to illegally travel or smuggle objects or substances across borders or international boundaries, bypassing any required documentation, security checks, or fees. This act is considered a serious offense and is punishable by law in most jurisdictions.
The motive behind stowing away can vary from seeking better economic opportunities in another country, escaping a dire situation or persecution, reuniting with family, or engaging in criminal activities. Regardless of the motivation, stowing away is generally regarded as illegal and poses significant risks to both the stowaway and the transportation system.
The discovery of stowaways can lead to delays, security alerts, legal consequences, and financial burdens for transportation companies and authorities responsible for ensuring safe and lawful travel. Efforts are continuously made to enhance security measures and prevent stowaways from infiltrating transportation systems.
The phrase "stows away" is derived from two different words: "stow" and "away".
The word "stow" dates back to Middle English and originated from the Old English word "stōwian", which means "to place" or "to keep". It later evolved to refer specifically to the act of arranging or storing items in a ship's hold or cargo space.
The word "away" also originated from Old English, deriving from the word "onweg", which means "going", "departing", or "absent". Over time, "away" came to mean in a different location or at a distance.
When these two words are combined to form "stows away", it refers to someone secretively hiding or concealing themselves on a ship or other mode of transportation, usually without permission or knowledge.