Clift
/klɪft/noun
A steep or high cliff or rock face.
Did you know?The term 'clift' is connected to the idea of a 'sword' in Old Norse, hinting at the sharpness of both cliffs and blades in ancient times! ⚔️
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*klēb-
“To break, split, or cleave.”
Old English
Old English
clif
“A steep cliff or rock face, often associated with danger.”
Old Norse
Old Norse
klif
“A steep rock or cliff, emphasizing verticality.”
Middle English
Middle English
clift
“A cleft or fissure in the earth, often perilous in nature.”
Modern English
English
clift
“Refers specifically to steep cliffs or rock formations.”