lose

Definition

To cease to have (something) in one's possession or capability.

Etymology

From Middle English losen, from Old English losian, from Proto-West Germanic *losōn, from Proto-Germanic *lusōną, *luzōną, from Proto-Germanic *lusą. The modern pronunciation with /uː/ (instead of the /oʊ~əʊ/ that would be expected from Early Modern /ɔː/) is due to conflation with loose.

Example Sentences

• "If you lose that ten-pound note, you'll be sorry."
• "He lost his hearing in the explosion."
• "She lost her position when the company was taken over."

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