Feed

Definition

Feed is a verb and noun referring to the act of giving food to a person, animal, or organism, or the material provided as sustenance. It can also mean to supply or sustain a process, system, or entity.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fiːd/
• Respelling: feed

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fiːd/
• Respelling: feed

Etymology

The word "feed" originates from the Old English "fēdan," meaning "to nourish or supply with food," derived from the Proto-Germanic "*fōdjaną*" (to feed) and Proto-Indo-European "*pa-" (to protect or nourish). Its use has expanded to include various meanings related to supplying or sustaining.

Derivatives

• Feeder (noun)
• Feeding (noun/verb)
• Overfeed (verb)
• Underfeed (verb)
• Feedlot (noun)

Synonyms

• Nourish
• Sustain
• Provide

Antonyms

• Starve
• Deprive
• Withhold

Usage

The word "feed" is widely used in literal and figurative contexts. For example, "She went out to feed the horses," or "The information was fed into the computer system."

Related Terms

• Nutrition: The process of providing or obtaining food for health and growth.
• Supply: To provide or make available as needed.
• Consumption: The act of consuming or using something.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To give food to a person, animal, or organism: Refers to providing sustenance.
  • Example: "He feeds the stray cats every evening."
• To supply materials or inputs to a process or system: Refers to sustaining or maintaining a function or operation.
  • Example: "The machine is fed with raw materials daily."
• To encourage or sustain a feeling or behavior: Used metaphorically to describe nurturing emotions or actions.
  • Example: "The constant praise feeds his ego."

Noun

• Food or sustenance provided to an animal or organism: Refers to the materials given as nourishment.
  • Example: "The farmer bought feed for the cattle."
• A supply or stream of material, information, or resources: Describes something provided continuously or systematically.
  • Example: "The news feed updates every hour."