Definition of hook

The word "hook" has its origins in Old English, with its first recorded use dating back to around 725 AD. In Old English, the word "hōk" referred to a fishhook, specifically a curved or bent piece of metal used for catching fish. The word was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*haukiz," which is also the source of the Modern English word "hawk." Over time, the meaning of "hook" expanded to include other types of hooks, such as clothing hooks, door hooks, and park hooks (as in "to hook up"). Today, the word "hook" has a wide range of meanings and uses, from athletics (e.g., "to hook a goal") to music (e.g., "a hook song"). Despite its evolution, the word "hook" still retains its roots in Old English and its association with fishing and curved metal.