Beat
/biːt/noun
To strike repeatedly or to defeat in a contest.
Did you know?The Old English 'beatan' was often associated with drumming and ceremonial rites, linking 'beat' to the rhythm of ancient rituals and the power of sound in magic.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰeu̯t-
“to strike or beat, associated with forceful action.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
βέβηλος (bébēlos)
“to knock or strike, often related to disturbances.”
Old English
Old English
beatan
“to strike, to beat, often in the context of conflict or rhythm.”
Middle English
Middle English
beten
“to strike or hit, increasingly related to victory in contests.”
Modern English
English
beat
“to defeat in a contest or to strike repeatedly.”