hamsteren

Meaning

to hoard (e.g. food, supplies), typically for emergencies

Synonyms

opkopen

Frequency

38k
Pronounced as (IPA)
/ˈɦɑm.stə.rə(n)/
Etymology

In summary

1916 or 1917. Borrowed from German hamstern, inspired by the way hamsters use their cheek pouches to keep food for later use. Older dictionaries tend to stress the secrecy or illegality of the act. Equivalent to hamster + -en.

Notes

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