πτήσσω

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Ancient Greek

Alternative forms

Etymology

The root is extensively discussed by Hackstein: according to him, Tocharian B pyāk-tsi (to strike down) is related, which requires a reconstruction of the root as *pieh₂(k)-. Also cognate are πτοέω (ptoéō, to be scared, dismayed) and πταίω (ptaíō, to stumble, trip) and, from other Indo-European languages, Lithuanian piáuti (to cut, mow) and perhaps Latin paviō (to beat, strike). However, according to Beekes, there are two problems with this reconstruction: first, the semantic connection between the Tocharian word and this verb is not evident, and second, it neglects the evidence of πτωχός (ptōkhós, beggar), which is clearly related and shows a Pre-Greek alternation.

Pronunciation

 

Verb

πτήσσω (ptḗssō)

  1. (causal) to scare, alarm, terrify
  2. (intransitive) to crouch or cower for fear
  3. (of men in ambush) to crouch

Inflection

Derived terms

Further reading