Scavenging Meaning and Definition
Scavenging
Pronunciation
/ˈskævɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A hunt or search for food, resources, or valuable items, often in a previously untouched or neglected area.
Examples
- The group went scavenging for food in the abandoned building.
- The treasure hunter spent hours scavenging for clues in the jungle.
Synonyms
- Hunt
Antonyms
- Exploit
- Dominate
Etymology
The word “scavenging” comes from the Old English word “scæfnian”, meaning “to search or seek out”.
Usage Notes
Scavenging can be used in a variety of contexts, including search and rescue missions, treasure hunting, and even urban exploration.
Cultural References
Scavenging has been featured in popular culture, such as in the TV show “The Walking Dead” where characters often scavenged for food and supplies.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Scavenging around” means to search for something in a casual or haphazard way.
Related Words or Phrases
Related words include “foraging”, “rummaging”, and “ransacking”.
Collocations
Common collocations include “scavenging for”, “scavenging through”, and “scavenging out”.
Frequency of Use
The word “scavenging” is moderately rare, but its usage has increased in recent years due to increased interest in urban exploration and survivalism.
Common misspellings include “scaivenging”, “scaviging”, and “scavenging”.