Word: hoard (verb)

Associations

Hoard means to gather and store away items, often in large amounts, usually because of a desire to keep them for future use. It can have a sense of secrecy or unnecessary accumulation.

• Example 1: "During the storm, many people began to hoard supplies." (Here, people are collecting extra supplies to prepare for a possible shortage.)
• Example 2: "He tends to hoard old newspapers and magazines." (In this case, the person keeps a lot of old reading material, perhaps without needing it.)
• Example 3: "The child hoarded toys under his bed." (The child is secretly keeping toys, not wanting to share them with others.)

A well-known synonym for hoard is "store." However, "store" implies keeping things in a more organized way for future use, while "hoard" suggests an excessive or secretive accumulation.

Substitution

Instead of "hoard," you could use:

• "accumulate" (to gather over time, without the same secretive or excessive feeling)
• "collect" (to gather items of interest, usually in a more organized manner)
• "stash" (to hide away items, often for personal use, but can imply a sense of secrecy)

Deconstruction

The word "hoard" comes from the Old English word "hord," which means a treasure or store. It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word "*hurdō," which also means a hidden treasure. The idea of something being hidden or kept away is central to its meaning.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you felt the need to hoard something? What was it, and why did you feel that way?
• How do you think hoarding affects people's lives? Do you think it can be harmful?
• In what situations do you think it is okay to hoard items?