hoard
HORD
/hɔːrd/
To accumulate a large amount of something valuable and keep it hidden or stored away; to keep a supply of something for future use, often secretly or selfishly.
Often carries a negative connotation, implying excessive or selfish accumulation, especially when resources are scarce for others. Can also refer to simply storing a large quantity.
The story behind the word. The word 'hoard' comes from the Old English 'hord,' meaning 'treasure, store, accumulation.' It's related to Old Norse 'hord' and German 'Hort,' all pointing to a hidden store of valuable things. Think of ancient kings burying their gold or dragons guarding their riches – that's the deep historical echo in 'hoard.' It's always implied a sense of keeping something precious, often secretly.
Word relationships
- amass: To gather or accumulate (a large amount of something) over a period of time, often implying effort and quantity, but not necessarily secrecy or selfishness.
- stockpile: To accumulate a large stock of (goods or materials), often for future use or in anticipation of a shortage.
- cache: To store away in a hidden or inaccessible place.
- distribute: To give shares of something; to deal out.
- disperse: To scatter or spread widely.
- spend: To give money to pay for goods, services, or debts.
Commonly confused with
- stash: 'Hoard' implies accumulating a large, often excessive amount, sometimes selfishly. 'Stash' simply means to store something safely or secretly, usually a smaller quantity.
Word family
- hoarder (noun): A person who hoards things, often excessively.
- hoarding (noun): The act of accumulating and storing things, especially excessively.
Collocations
- hoard supplies
- hoard food
- hoard money
- hoard treasure
- hoard wealth
Example sentences
- "During the pandemic, many consumers began to hoard toilet paper and hand sanitizer, leading to shortages." During a crisis, people might accumulate supplies.
- "The ancient dragon was said to hoard vast quantities of gold and jewels in its mountain lair." A dragon's treasure.
- "Squirrels hoard nuts for the winter, burying them in various locations." A squirrel's natural behavior.
Memory hook
A HOARD of gold is HIDDEN in a HOLE. HIDDEN store
When not to use
If you mean simply to save or store something for future use without the implication of excess, secrecy, or selfishness, 'save,' 'store,' or 'stash' might be more appropriate.
Fun facts
- The term 'hoarding disorder' is a recognized mental health condition characterized by persistent difficulty parting with possessions.
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