trek
TREK
/trɛk/
A long, arduous journey, especially one made on foot through rugged country.
Implies a journey that is physically demanding, slow-paced, and typically spans multiple days or weeks.
The story behind the word. Borrowed from Afrikaans, where 'trek' originally referred to the arduous journeys made by Dutch-speaking colonists (Voortrekkers) in South Africa during the 1830s. They traveled in heavy ox-wagons, which had to be 'pulled' (Dutch: 'trekken') across rugged mountains and dry plains, making the word synonymous with long, grueling travel.
Word relationships
- hike: A hike is typically a walk in nature completed within a single day, whereas a trek is a longer, more arduous journey lasting multiple days.
- journey: A journey is a general term for traveling from one place to another, while a trek specifically implies physical hardship and foot travel.
- stroll: A stroll is a short, leisurely, and effortless walk, representing the opposite of a demanding trek.
Commonly confused with
- track: A track is a path or trail, while a trek is the actual journey or act of traveling along a difficult path.
Word family
- trekker (noun): A person who makes a long, difficult journey on foot.
- trekking (noun): The activity of going on long, arduous hikes.
Collocations
- arduous trek
- mountain trek
- trek across
- day trek
Example sentences
- "Every year, thousands of adventurers embark on the grueling trek to Mount Everest Base Camp." A travel article about Nepal
- "We trekked through the dense jungle for three days before finally reaching the ancient ruins." A personal hiking journal
Memory hook
Think of 'Star Trek'—a long, challenging journey through the vast, rugged frontier of space. A long journey where you have to 'track' your way through tough terrain.
When not to use
Do not use for a short, easy walk in a city park or a quick drive to the grocery store.
Fun facts
- The word 'trek' became widely popularized in the English-speaking world after the publication of adventure novels set in South Africa, such as those by H. Rider Haggard in the late 19th century.
Related words
Explore more words
traverse, pilgrimage, strive, plodding, perseverance, terrain
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