Atterrate

/ˈætəˌreɪt/ verb

Definition

An extremely rare or obsolete term possibly meaning to terrify, frighten, or render powerless with fear.

Etymology

Possibly from 'atter' (poison/venom) combined with '-ate' (verb suffix), or independently from roots meaning terror. The term is so rare that its etymology remains uncertain.

Kelly Says

This word is barely documented—it's the kind of ghost word that appears in only a handful of historical manuscripts and makes etymologists spend years trying to figure out what it ever meant.

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