borrow

bor·row

verb \ˈbär-(ˌ)ō, ˈbȯr-\

Definition of BORROW

transitive verb

1

a : to receive with the implied or expressed intention of returning the same or an equivalent <borrow a book> <borrowed a dollar> b : to borrow (money) with the intention of returning the same plus interest

2

a : to appropriate for one's own use <borrow a metaphor> b : derive, adopt

3

: to take (one) from a digit of the minuend in arithmetical subtraction in order to add as 10 to the digit holding the next lower place

4

: to adopt into one language from another

5

dialect : lend

intransitive verb

: to borrow something

— bor·row·er \-ə-wər\ noun

— borrow trouble

: to do something unnecessarily that may result in adverse reaction or repercussions

Examples of BORROW

1. The twins often borrow each other's clothes.
2. I'm borrowing a friend's car for the weekend.
3. He borrowed the book from the library.
4. Will you see if we can borrow a cup of sugar from the neighbors?
5. She borrowed $20 from me.
6. The speech was peppered with phrases borrowed from Winston Churchill.
7. She borrowed the technique from local artisans.

Origin of BORROW

Middle English borwen, from Old English borgian; akin to Old English beorgan to preserve — more at bury

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to BORROW

Synonyms: adopt, embrace, espouse, take on, take up

Related Words: domesticate, naturalize; appropriate, arrogate, take over, usurp; absorb, assimilate, incorporate, quote; cherish, prize, treasure; cultivate, follow, heed, honor; use, utilize; bring up, foster, nurture, raise, rear; affect, assume, copy, imitate, pretend, put on, simulate

Near Antonyms: abandon, forsake, give up, relinquish, surrender; abjure, abnegate, disown; reject, renounce, repudiate, spurn; discard, jettison, junk, throw away, throw out

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Rhymes with BORROW

sorrow