wake
WAYK
/weɪk/
A gathering before or after a funeral, where family and friends assemble to remember the deceased and support one another.
Can be solemn or celebratory depending on culture; historically involves staying awake overnight beside the body.
The story behind the word. Originates from Old English 'wacan' (to wake or watch). Traditionally, relatives and friends kept an all-night vigil (or watch) over the dead body before burial to guard it and ensure the person was truly dead.
Word relationships
- viewing: A viewing specifically refers to seeing the deceased person's body before burial.
- visitation: A formal period set aside for visitors to offer condolences to the family.
Commonly confused with
- funeral: A funeral is the formal ceremony itself; a wake is the gathering of mourners before or after.
Collocations
- hold a wake
- attend a wake
- traditional wake
- in the wake of
Idioms & expressions
- in the wake of (following as a consequence)
Example sentences
- "After the church service, everyone gathered at the local hall for the wake." Traditional gathering
- "In Irish tradition, a wake involves sharing lively stories and songs in honor of the deceased." Cultural tradition
Memory hook
Staying awake all night to honor someone who has entered eternal rest. Watching and gathering through the night.
When not to use
Do not confuse with the verb 'wake' (to stop sleeping) or the noun 'wake' meaning the track left by a boat in water.
Fun facts
- The expression 'in the wake of' comes from the water trail left behind a ship, but merged metaphorically with the idea of following after a death.
Related words
Explore more words
remembrance, memorial, condolence, commemoration, grieve, reunion
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