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πτήσσω

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

Ancient Greek

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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The root is extensively discussed by Hackstein: according to him, Tocharian B pyāk-tsi (to strike down) is related, which requires a reconstruction of the root as *pieh₂(k)-. Also cognate are πτοέω (ptoéō, to be scared, dismayed) and πταίω (ptaíō, to stumble, trip) and, from other Indo-European languages, Lithuanian piáuti (to cut, mow) and perhaps Latin paviō (to beat, strike). However, according to Beekes, there are two problems with this reconstruction: first, the semantic connection between the Tocharian word and this verb is not evident, and second, it neglects the evidence of πτωχός (ptōkhós, beggar), which is clearly related and shows a Pre-Greek alternation.

Pronunciation

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Verb

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πτήσσω (ptḗssō)

  1. (causal) to scare, alarm, terrify
  2. (intransitive) to crouch or cower for fear
  3. (of men in ambush) to crouch

Inflection

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Derived terms

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Further reading

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