Wait
/weɪt/noun
To remain in a place or delay action until a particular time or event.
Did you know?In English, *wait* originally came from a word for a watcher or guard, so the idea of “waiting” began as active vigilance, not passive patience.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*wahtōną
“to watch, be awake, keep watch”
Old North French
ONF
waitier
“to watch, observe; later, to wait upon or serve”
Middle English
English
waiten
“to watch for; to attend upon; to delay”
Late Middle English
English
wayten
“to remain in expectation; to stay until something happens”
Modern English
English
wait
“to remain in place or delay action until a time or event”