Definition of the word moisten

The word "moisten" is derived from the Old French word "moistir", meaning "to soak" or "to wet thoroughly". The Old French word in turn originated from the Latin verb "mitigare", which translates to "to make mild" or "to make less harsh". In Latin, the suffix "-gare" indicated a change in condition, specifically a softening or mildening effect. This root can also be found in English words such as "mitigate" and "mollify". By the 13th century, the Old French "moistir" had evolved into the Middle English word "moosten", which meant both "to wet" and "to soften". This held true for several centuries, as seen in examples like Chaucer's use of the word in his 14th century work Canterbury Tales. Over time, "moisten" came to have a more specific meaning of "to make damp or slightly wet" and lost its association with softening or lessening harshness. Today, "moisten" is commonly used in cooking to describe adding liquid in order to make food less dry or hard.