vault
VAWLT
/vɔːlt/
(n) An act of jumping over an obstacle; a gymnastics apparatus; (v) to leap over something using the hands for support.
In gymnastics, it is both the name of the event and the piece of equipment used to launch the athlete into the air.
The story behind the word. From the Old French 'voute', from the Latin 'volvere' (to turn). It originally referred to an arched roof (which 'turns' over a space) and later to the jumping movement that mimics that arch.
Word relationships
- leap: A leap is just a big jump; a vault specifically involves clearing an obstacle, often using the hands.
Commonly confused with
- hurdle: A hurdle is jumped over without touching; a vault often involves touching the obstacle to push off.
Word family
- vaulter (noun): A person who performs a vault.
Collocations
- pole vault
- vaulting horse
- vault over
Example sentences
- "He scored a 9.5 on the vault after a nearly perfect landing." Gymnastics event
- "The thief managed to vault over the high garden wall." Action
Memory hook
A 'Vault' is like a 'Volt' of energy that shoots you over a wall. Jump over with a push.
When not to use
Don't use it for a simple jump where no hands or obstacles are involved.
Fun facts
- The 'vault' in a bank shares this root because early bank safes were built with arched, vaulted ceilings for strength.
Explore more words
masonry, cantilever, viaduct, load-bearing, mausoleum, buttress
Also appears in
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