HOW TO USE THE DICTIONARY

To look up an entry in The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, use the search window above. For best results, after typing in the word, click on the “Search” button instead of using the “enter” key.

Some compound words (like bus rapid transit, dog whistle, or identity theft) don’t appear on the drop-down list when you type them in the search bar. For best results with compound words, place a quotation mark before the compound word in the search window.

guide to the dictionary

stoop¹

(stp)

v. stooped, stoop·ing, stoops

v.intr.

1. To bend forward and down from the waist or the middle of the back: had to stoop in order to fit into the cave.

2. To stand or walk, especially habitually, with the head and upper back bent forward.

a. To lower or debase oneself: I wouldn't stoop to such behavior.

b. To descend from a superior social position; condescend: Would the prince stoop to have a meal with peasants?

4. To swoop down, as a bird in pursuing its prey.

v.tr.

1. To bend (oneself, the head, or the body) forward and down.

2. To debase; humble: stooped himself to such disgraceful acts.

1. The act of stooping.

2. A forward bending of the head and upper back, especially when habitual: walked with a stoop.

3. An act of self-abasement or condescension.

4. A descent, as of a bird of prey.

[Middle English stoupen, from Old English stūpian.]

Synonyms: stoop¹, condescend, deign
These verbs mean to descend to a level considered inappropriate to one's dignity: stooped to contemptible methods to realize their ambitions; won't condescend to acknowledge his rival's greeting; didn't even deign to reply.

stoop²

(stp)

A small porch, platform, or staircase leading to the entrance of a house or building.

[Dutch stoep, front veranda, from Middle Dutch.]

(click for a larger image)

stoop2

stoop³

(stp)

Variant of stoup.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

American Heritage Dictionary Products

HOW TO USE THE DICTIONARY

THE USAGE PANEL

AMERICAN HERITAGE DICTIONARY APP

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE DICTIONARY BLOG

INTERESTED IN DICTIONARIES?

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

American Heritage Dictionary Products