Definition of hooked

The word "hooked" has an interesting history. Originally, it comes from Old English and Middle English, where it was recorded as "hōk" or "hutch", meaning "cow-horn" or "curved shape". Over time, the meaning of "hooked" expanded to describe being caught or ensnared, as if one was caught in a hook or a trap. In the 15th century, the word "hooked" gained a new meaning, describing a physical congruence between two things, like a hook fitting into a loop. This sense of attachment or connection is still seen in modern English, as in "hooked on a particular activity" or "hooked into a network". Interestingly, the term "hooked on" to describe addiction or intense interest arose in the mid-19th century, likely due to the imagery of being ensnared by a hook. Today, "hooked" is commonly used to describe being deeply engaged or enthralled by something, whether it's a activity, a person, or an idea.