Forage
Noun
Definition: Food for horses and cattle, typically consisting of hay or straw.
Synonyms: Feed, Fodder, Provender
Antonyms: Waste, Starvation
- The farmer stored a large quantity of forage for the winter.
- The animals eagerly consumed the fresh forage.
- "Forage" sound similar to "food forage," which can help remember its meaning.
Verb
Definition: To search widely for food or provisions.
Synonyms: Scavenge, Rummage, Hunt
Antonyms: Hoard, Stockpile
- The squirrel forages for acorns to store for the winter.
- The lost hiker had to forage for berries to sustain herself.
- "Forage" can be associated with animals searching for food in the wild.
Etymology:
Middle English "fodder" or "food for animals," from Old French "fourage," from "forrer" meaning "to feed," from Latin "foratio," meaning "to stuff."
Historical Usage:The term has been used since the 14th century with its current meanings related to food and searching for provisions.
Related Idioms:
"Forage around"
Explanation:To search or explore in a disorderly or haphazard manner.
Misconceptions:
Assuming "forage" only refers to food for horses and cattle.
Explanation:While "forage" does commonly refer to animal feed, it can also mean the act of searching for food or provisions.