stow
/stou/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To pack or store something carefully and neatly in a particular place: This is the primary meaning, referring to the action of arranging items compactly and securely, typically for storage or transport.
- To fill a space by packing items tightly: This sense emphasizes the act of loading a container or space to capacity in an orderly fashion.
Examples of Usage
- Verb:
- Please stow your luggage in the overhead compartment.
- The crew worked to stow the cargo securely in the ship's hold before the storm.
- She stowed the winter clothes in a box under the bed.
Advanced Usage
- "to stow away":
- To store something in a designated place to keep it out of sight or safe.
- After reading, he stowed the documents away in a locked drawer.
- To be a stowaway; to hide on a vehicle (like a ship or plane) to travel secretly without paying.
- In the 19th century, some people would stow away on ships to reach America. (Note: In this phrasal verb, "stow" combines with "away" to form a specific meaning.)
Variants and Related Words
- Stowage (n): The act of stowing or the space used for stowing goods.
- The stowage of equipment must follow safety protocols.
- Stowaway (n): A person who hides on a vehicle to travel secretly.
- The captain discovered a stowaway in the lifeboat.
Synonyms
- Pack: To put items into a container for storage or transport.
- Store: To keep or accumulate something for future use.
- Load: To put a large quantity of something onto or into a vehicle or container.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Stow away: As detailed in the 'Advanced Usage' section, this has two primary meanings: 1) to store something securely, and 2) to hide on a vehicle to travel secretly.
Related Idioms
- "Stow it!": (Slang, often imperative) An informal command meaning "Stop it!" or "Be quiet!"
- He kept complaining until I finally told him, "Stow it!" (Note: This idiom uses "stow" in a figurative, non-literal sense.)
Verb
- fill by packing tightly
- stow the cart