Meaning and usage of the word fry in English

The word "fry" has an interesting history. It originated from the Old English word "frisan," which means "to roast or cook in fat." This verb was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*freisan," which was also related to the Proto-Indo-European root "*pher-" meaning "to cook" or "to warm." In Middle English (circa 1100-1500), the verb "fry" began to take on its modern meaning, specifically referring to cooking food in hot oil or fat. This sense of the word is still widely used today, as in "Fry the potatoes" or "Fry an egg." Over time, the verb "fry" has also developed additional meanings, such as "to dry or wither" (as in "fry out of existence"), or "to become extremely hot" (as in "the air is frying"). Nonetheless, its core sense remains rooted in the ancient practice of cooking food in hot fat.