Definition of the word perish

The origin of the word "perish" can be traced back to the Old English language, where it was spelled as "perisan." This word was derived from the Old English root "per-, peri-, pero-," which meant "through" or "completely," followed by the Old English verb "sinnan" meaning "to let go" or "to allow." The Old English verb "perisan" thus literally meant "to let go completely" or "to pass through completely." Its original meaning expressed the notion of something being completely gone or lost, which is still present in the modern English usage of the word "perish." Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word changed, with the Old English "perisan" evolving into Middle English "perisen" and then "perisen" in Early Modern English. The modern spelling "perish" emerged during the Early Modern English period, around the 16th century. Today, "perish" is commonly used to indicate the idea of something coming to an end or meeting with a fatal or destructive end, either as a result of circumstances beyond one's control or due to natural causes. Its usage has remained consistent with its etymological roots, emphasizing the finality and completeness of something's destruction or loss.