Definition of catching

The word "catching" has its roots in Old English. The verb "catchan" meant "to seize" or "to capture," and it is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*kassiz," which is also the source of the modern English word "grasp." In Middle English (circa 1100-1500 AD), the verb "catchen" emerged, which retained its original meaning of "to seize" or "to take hold of." From there, the word evolved to take on additional meanings, such as "to detect" or "to perceive," often in the context of catching a thought, a feeling, or a glimpse of something. Today, the word "catching" continues to be used in various senses, including its original meaning, as well as in phrases like "catching up" (meaning to get current with something) or "catching a cold" (meaning to contract infectious disease).