Definition of the word put away

The origin of the word "put away" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled "pyttan." It literally meant "to put" or "place" something in a specific location, such as a container or storage area. The word "away" was added later, likely derived from the Old English word "we gan" which meant "to move away" or "depart." Over time, the meaning of "put away" evolved to include the idea of "removing" or "dismissing" something, especially in a context of ending an activity or relationship. This semantic shift is evident in Old English poetry, where "pyttan" was sometimes used to describe the act of ceasing a battle or discontinuing a war. In modern English, "put away" continues to hold both spatial and temporal connotations, depending on the context.