bore

Definition

To inspire boredom in somebody.

Etymology

From Middle English boren, from Old English borian (“to pierce”), from Proto-West Germanic *borōn, from Proto-Germanic *burōną. Compare Danish bore, Norwegian Bokmål bore, Dutch boren, German bohren, Old Norse bora. Cognate with Latin forō (“to bore, to pierce”), Latin feriō (“strike, cut”) and Albanian birë (“hole”). Sense of wearying may come from a figurative use such as "to bore the ears"; compare German drillen.

Example Sentences

• "to bore someone to death"
• "Reading books really bores me; films are much more exciting."
• "He bores me with some trick."

Related Words