Cocking: meaning, definitions and examples

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cocking

 

[ หˆkษ’kษชล‹ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

mechanical action

Cocking refers to the action of pulling back or positioning a mechanism, especially a spring, so that it is ready to be released. It is commonly used in relation to firearms, where the hammer is cocked to prepare the gun for firing. The term can also apply to various devices that require a preparatory mechanical action to be set before use.

Synonyms

preparing, pulling back, resetting

Examples of usage

  • He was cocking the gun before taking aim.
  • The archer is cocking the bowstring to shoot an arrow.
  • Cocking the latch secured the door properly.
Context #2 | Noun

slang usage

In some informal contexts, 'cocking' may refer to the act of engaging in inappropriate behavior, often of a sexual nature. This usage is considered slang and is generally not used in formal conversation.

Synonyms

fooling around, messing about

Examples of usage

  • The group was caught cocking around at the party.
  • Cocking off in public can lead to unwanted attention.

Translations

Translations of the word "cocking" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น cozinhando

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค–เคพเคจเคพ เคฌเคจเคพเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช kochen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ memasak

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณะพั‚ัƒะฒะฐะฝะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ gotowanie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ–™็†ใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท cuisiner

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cocinar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท piลŸirme

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์š”๋ฆฌํ•˜๊ธฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุทู‡ูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vaล™enรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ varenie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ƒน้ฅช

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kuhanje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ matreiรฐsla

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐัะฟะฐะทะดั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ–แƒแƒ แƒ”แƒฃแƒšแƒแƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ biลŸirmษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ cocinar

Etymology

The term 'cock' has its origins in the Old English word 'coc', which means a male bird, particularly a rooster. It is believed that this root can be traced back to the Germanic languages, where similar words for 'cock' are present, indicating its long-standing use in various forms. The verb form 'to cock' began to develop in the 17th century, often used as a term for setting something in a position of readiness. The educational constraints during which the term evolved also contained a variety of meanings, leading to its adaptation in various fields including mechanics and firearms. Its use in a more informal or vulgar context likely emerged in the 20th century, with 'cocking around' representing playful or irresponsible behavior, often with sexual connotations. As language evolves, the word has retained its association with readiness while also acquiring additional meanings in different contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,242, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.