gird

¹

[ gurd ]

verb (used with object)

, gird·ed or girt, gird·ing.

1. to encircle or bind with a belt or band.
2. to surround; enclose; hem in.
3. to prepare (oneself ) for action:

   He girded himself for the trial ahead.

   Synonyms: strengthen, fortify, steel, brace

4. to provide, equip, or invest, as with power or strength.

gird

²

[ gurd ]

verb (used without object)

1. to gibe; jeer (usually followed by at ).

verb (used with object)

1. to gibe or jeer at; taunt.

noun

1. a gibe.

gird

¹

/ ɡɜːd /

verb

1. to put a belt, girdle, etc, around (the waist or hips)
2. to bind or secure with or as if with a belt

   to gird on one's armour

3. to surround; encircle
4. to prepare (oneself) for action (esp in the phrase gird ( up ) one's loins )
5. to endow with a rank, attribute, etc, esp knighthood

gird

²

/ ɡɜːd /

verb

1. whenintr, foll by at to jeer (at someone); mock
2. tr to strike (a blow at someone)
3. intr to move at high speed

noun

1. 1. a blow or stroke
   2. a taunt; gibe
2. a display of bad temper or anger (esp in the phrases in a gird; throw a gird )

gird

³

/ ɡɪrd /

noun

1. a hoop, esp a child's hoop Alsogirr

Other Words From

• girding·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of gird¹

before 950; Middle English girden, Old English gyrdan; cognate with German gürten

Origin of gird²

1175–1225; Middle English gyrd a stroke, blow, hence a cutting remark, derivative of girden to strike, smite < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of gird¹

Old English gyrdan, of Germanic origin; related to Old Norse gyrtha, Old High German gurten

Origin of gird²

C13 girden to strike, cut, of unknown origin

Origin of gird³

a Scot variant of girth

Example Sentences

Environmental groups say they are already girding for a fight.

From Los Angeles Times

California’s schools, colleges and universities are girding for potentially sweeping changes under a new Trump administration, based on his starkly different vision for education gleaned from campaign pledges, the GOP platform and his past actions.

From Los Angeles Times

Harris said that while she accepted the election results, she refused to concede the fight for freedom, opportunity and fairness that girded her campaign.

From Los Angeles Times

I also note something sad girding all this support.

From Los Angeles Times

“We see him start to develop some of that sense of humor and warmth and and, at times, testy annoyance with these creatures, but it’s always under girded by a deep love.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brace