Definition of the word hooked

The word "hooked" has an interesting history. Originally, it comes from Old English and Middle English, where it was recorded as "hōk" or "hutch", meaning "cow-horn" or "curved shape". Over time, the meaning of "hooked" expanded to describe being caught or ensnared, as if one was caught in a hook or a trap. In the 15th century, the word "hooked" gained a new meaning, describing a physical congruence between two things, like a hook fitting into a loop. This sense of attachment or connection is still seen in modern English, as in "hooked on a particular activity" or "hooked into a network". Interestingly, the term "hooked on" to describe addiction or intense interest arose in the mid-19th century, likely due to the imagery of being ensnared by a hook. Today, "hooked" is commonly used to describe being deeply engaged or enthralled by something, whether it's a activity, a person, or an idea.