Definition of heave

The word "heave" has a complex linguistic history, and its origins can be traced back to Old English and Anglo-Saxon times. In its earliest uses, "heave" referred to the act of breathing or inhaling, often in the context of action or effort. This is evident in Old English words like "hhāfian," which means "to take breath" or "breathe," and "heaffan," which means "to place a load by breathing." Over time, the semantic range of "heave" expanded to include other senses related to movement, particularly those involving a forcing or lifting motion. This development is evidenced in Middle English words like "hiven" and "hivenkene," which mean "to lift something heavy" and "machine for lifting water," respectively. In its modern senses, the word "heave" is commonly used to describe actions related to moving or uncovering something, particularly when the movement involves a significant force or exertion. For example, "heave cargo over the side of the ship" or "heave a boulder out of the ground" both connote a powerful, exertive force. In sum, the origins of "heave" can be traced back to Old English and Anglo-Saxon times, where the word was primarily used to refer to breathing or inhaling. Over time, its semantic range expanded to include a variety of meanings related to movement and force, making it a versatile and multifaceted word in the English language.