Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

IPA: /hɔːrd/ (British), /hɔrd/ (American)

Definitions

• Noun: A stockpile of valuable objects or supplies, often kept secret.
• Verb: To accumulate and store items in large amounts, often excessively.

Usage Examples

• The pirate buried his hoard of gold on the deserted island.
• During the crisis, people began to hoard essential supplies.

Etymology

From Old English hord, meaning "treasure, valuable stock," related to Proto-Germanic *huzdą.

Synonyms

Stockpile, cache, reserve, accumulation, stash.

Antonyms

Distribute, spend, squander, deplete, give away.

Translations

More languages omitted for brevity.

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some British dialects, pronounced as /hɔəd/ with a softer "r" sound.

In American English, more commonly pronounced as /hɔrd/ with a distinct "r" sound.

Historical Usage

The term has been used since Old English times to describe hidden treasures, often found in literature and mythology.

Cultural Nuances

"Hoard" is often used metaphorically to describe excessive accumulation, as in "hoarding wealth" or "hoarding knowledge."

More Information

The word "hoard" has significant historical importance, particularly in archaeology, where large collections of ancient coins, weapons, and valuables are referred to as hoards. In modern contexts, "hoarding disorder" is recognized as a psychological condition where individuals compulsively accumulate items, often to the point of disrupting their daily lives.