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weigh

weigh¹ definition

weigh (wā)

transitive verb

to determine the weight of by means of a scale or balance
to have (a specified) weight [it weighs ten pounds]: orig. construed as a vi. and still so construed when used with an adverb
weight ()
to lift or balance (an object) in the hand or hands, in order to estimate its heaviness or weight
to measure out, dole out, or apportion, by or as by weight: often with out
1. to consider and choose carefully to weigh one's words
2. to balance or ponder in the mind; consider in order to make a choice to weigh one plan against another
Naut. weigh anchor under anchor

Etymology: ME weien, to weigh, bear < OE wegan, to carry, bear, akin to Ger weigan, wägen < IE base *weĝh-, to go, draw > OE wæg, a wave, L vehere, to carry, bring

intransitive verb

to have significance, importance, or influence his word weighed heavily with the jury
to be a burden; press or bear down: with on or upon the theft weighed on my mind
Naut. weigh anchor (see phrase under anchor)

Related Forms:

weighable weigh′·able adjective

weigh Idioms

weigh down

to make bend downward as with added weight
to burden or bear down on so as to oppress or depress

weigh in

to weigh (a boxer, jockey, etc.) before or after a contest in order to verify declared weight
to be so weighed
to have one's baggage weighed
Informal to enter and participate forcefully, as in a discussion or debate

weigh in with

Informal to introduce or contribute (an idea or opinion) to a discussion, argument, etc.

weigh² definition

weigh (wā)

noun

way (): chiefly in under weigh, meaning under way (sense ) (see phrase at way)

Etymology: modified by the notion of “weighing anchor”