buckle
buckle Lexical Profile
buckle Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A flat, typically metal, clasp used for fastening two ends of a belt, strap, or shoe.
"She fastened the heavy brass buckle of her winter coat."
A bend, bulge, or kink in a rigid material, typically caused by applied stress, heat, or severe compression.
"The structural engineer noticed a slight buckle in the steel support beam."
• verb
To fasten or secure with a clasp or belt.
"The flight attendant reminded the passengers to buckle their seatbelts before takeoff."
To bend, warp, or collapse under intense pressure, heat, or heavy physical force.
"The bridge's metal pillars began to buckle under the sheer weight of the debris."
To yield, surrender, or give way under emotional, psychological, or financial stress.
"The suspect finally buckled under hours of intense interrogation and confessed."
• Rhymes for buckle
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'bokel', borrowed from Old French 'bocle' (boss of a shield), derived from Latin 'buccula' (cheek strap of a helmet), a diminutive of 'bucca' (cheek).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.