quicksand

Definition

Wet sand that appears firm but in which things readily sink, often found near rivers or coasts.

Etymology

From Middle English quyksande, from Old English cwecesand (“quicksand”), equivalent to quick (“living”) + sand. Cognate with Swedish kvicksand (“quicksand”), Icelandic kviksandur, kviksyndi (“quicksand”). More at quick, sand.

Example Sentences

• "My feet were firmly lodged in the quicksand, and the more I struggled the more I sank into it."
• "the quicksands of youth"