Hoard: meaning, definitions and examples

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hoard

[hɔːrd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

noun

A stock or store of money, valuable objects, or other treasured possessions typically hidden or carefully guarded.

Synonyms

cache, stash, stockpile, treasure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hoard	Typically involves collecting and saving a large amount of items, often secretly or excessively. Can have a negative connotation if it implies unnecessary accumulation. She had a hoard of old newspapers in her attic
stash	Informal term for hiding or storing items, usually small and valuable objects. Implies a secretive or casual manner of keeping things safe. He kept a stash of candy in his desk drawer
cache	Refers to a hidden or stored collection of items, usually for future use or to keep them safe. Often used in a context involving secrecy or strategic placement. The hikers found a cache of food and supplies hidden in the cave
treasure	Refers to valuable items, often precious metals, gems, or other items of great worth. Can imply both hidden riches or something of great personal value. Pirates searched for buried treasure on the deserted island
stockpile	Accumulating a large quantity of items, particularly goods or supplies, for future use, often in preparation for shortage or emergency. The government decided to stockpile vaccines in case of a pandemic

Examples of usage

The dragon had a hoard of gold and jewels in its lair.
She discovered a hoard of ancient coins buried in the backyard.
The thief was caught trying to steal a hoard of priceless paintings from the museum.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

verb

To accumulate a large amount of something, typically money or valued objects, and store it away.

Synonyms

accumulate, amass, stockpile, store.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hoard	Hoard is often used when someone keeps a large amount of something secretly or excessively, usually with a negative connotation. He tends to hoard old newspapers in his basement During the crisis, some people hoarded food and supplies
stockpile	Stockpile is used when referring to collecting a large reserve of something, often for future use in times of uncertainty or shortage. They decided to stockpile water and canned goods before the storm Governments often stockpile vaccines in case of outbreaks
accumulate	Accumulate means to gather or collect over time, usually in a gradual and steady manner, without any negative connotation. She managed to accumulate a significant amount of wealth over the years Dust began to accumulate on the shelves
store	Store means to put something away for future use, usually in an organized and accessible way, and is typically used without negative implications. You can store your winter clothes in the attic They store coffee beans in airtight containers to keep them fresh
amass	Amass refers to gathering or collecting a lot of something, often in a large quantity for personal gain, but can be used neutrally depending on the context. The company managed to amass a considerable fortune He has amassed a large collection of rare stamps

Examples of usage

He tends to hoard old magazines and newspapers in his attic.
The collector would hoard rare stamps from around the world.
She hoarded her savings in a secret bank account.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'hord,' which means a secret or hidden treasure.
It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word 'hurdaz,' which also referred to a stash or hidden goods.
Originally, it was used to describe not just wealth, but any collection kept hidden away.

Psychology

People may hoard due to emotional attachments to items, often feeling that they represent memories or past experiences.
Hoarding can be related to anxiety disorders, where individuals believe they might need the items in the future.
It can also stem from a fear of waste, leading some to collect items others might discard.

Cultural Significance

In some cultures, hoarding is seen as a practical way to secure resources for hard times, reflecting a survivalist mindset.
Conversely, in others, excessive hoarding can carry a negative stigma, often viewed as a sign of mental illness.
Folktales often highlight characters who hoard treasures, revealing the moral consequences of greed and excess.

Environmental Impact

Hoarding can contribute to clutter which may lead to increased difficulties in maintaining a clean, safe living environment.
Excessive collection of items can foster wastefulness, as it often prevents recycling or repurposing of goods.
Communities sometimes create programs to help hoarders declutter responsibly, promoting recycling and donation.

Literature

In literature, figures who hoard often symbolize greed and avarice, serving as cautionary tales for the consequences of materialism.
Characters like Scrooge McDuck in comics represent the humorous side of hoarding wealth, often leading to extravagant adventures.
Hoarding also appears in many stories as a plot device, where characters must confront their attachment to possessions.

Translations

Translations of the word "hoard" in other languages:

🇵🇹 acumular

🇮🇳 संग्रह

🇩🇪 horten

🇮🇩 menimbun

🇺🇦 накопичувати

🇵🇱 gromadzić

🇯🇵 蓄える (たくわえる)

🇫🇷 amasser

🇪🇸 acumular

🇹🇷 istiflemek

🇰🇷 저장하다

🇸🇦 يكنز

🇨🇿 hromadit

🇸🇰 hromadiť

🇨🇳 囤积 (túnjī)

🇸🇮 kopičiti

🇮🇸 safna

🇰🇿 жинау

🇬🇪 დაგროვება

🇦🇿 yığmaq

🇲🇽 acumular

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,259, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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16256 porters
16257 refutation
16258 hash
16259 hoard
16260 curate
16261 avarice
16262 stifled
...