hit
/hɪt/
verb
Origin
Old Norse
hitta — to find, light upon, strike
Overview
Meaning Now
- To strike or reach an object or person with a blow or force.
- To arrive at a particular point, goal, or level.
- To find or discover something by chance.
Literal older meaning
to strike, hit, or encounter
Language path
Proto-Germanic → Old Norse → English
Earliest form
hitta
Earliest period
13th century
Journey
The word entered English during the Middle English period, largely replacing the Old English word 'slīan' (slay) in the general sense of striking, as 'slay' became restricted to killing.
Evolution
- Proto-Germanic
*hittijaną
“to meet, to find”
- Old Norse
hitta
“to find, encounter”
- Middle English
hitten
“to strike, to encounter”
- Modern English
hit
“to strike, reach, or find”
Connections
Word parts
hit
root
strike or encounter
Related across languages
Old Swedish
hitta
to find
Danish
hitte
to find
Explore next
Related to hit
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.