Stash: meaning, definitions and examples

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stash

 

[ stæʃ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

money

A stash is a secret store of something valuable or important. It is often used to refer to a hidden supply of money or goods that someone keeps for emergencies or illegal activities. Stashes are typically kept in secure or hidden locations to avoid detection.

Synonyms

cache, hoard, reserve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stash

Used when referring to hiding something away, typically in a secret or private place.

  • I have a stash of snacks hidden in my drawer for long study sessions.
  • She keeps a small stash of emergency money in her shoe.
cache

Often used in technical contexts, such as computer science, to describe temporary storage. It can also refer to a hidden storage of items, typically valuable or necessary.

  • The web browser saves a cache of recent websites to speed up loading times.
  • Treasure hunters discovered a cache of ancient coins buried in the desert.
hoard

Describes collecting and hiding a large amount of items, often considered excessive or unnecessary, and usually has a negative connotation.

  • During the pandemic, some people started to hoard toilet paper and cleaning supplies.
  • The dragon's hoard was filled with gold and precious jewels.
reserve

Refers to keeping something aside for future use, often in a formal or planned manner.

  • We have a reserve of canned goods in the pantry for emergencies.
  • The hotel has a reserve for VIP guests.

Examples of usage

  • Detectives found a stash of cash hidden under the floorboards.
  • She had a stash of chocolate hidden in her desk drawer.
  • The police uncovered a stash of illegal drugs in the suspect's basement.
Context #2 | Verb

hiding

To stash something means to hide or store it in a secret or secure place. It is often used when talking about concealing something valuable, illegal, or private. Stashing is a way to keep something out of sight or reach of others.

Synonyms

conceal, hide, store.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stash

Used when talking about keeping something safe, often secretly or for future use, especially small items or money.

  • He has a stash of candy in his drawer
  • She stashed some emergency money under the mattress
hide

A general term used for keeping something or someone out of sight or away from being found. Applicable in various contexts from playful to serious.

  • She hid the gift under the bed
  • He tried to hide his disappointment
conceal

Emphasizes the act of hiding something to keep it secret or to prevent others from discovering it, often used in more formal or serious contexts.

  • He tried to conceal the evidence from the police
  • She concealed her feelings to avoid a confrontation
store

Refers to keeping something in a place where it can be accessed later, usually for organization or preservation purposes.

  • We store our winter clothes in the attic
  • The data is stored in the cloud

Examples of usage

  • He stashed the stolen goods in a hidden compartment in his car.
  • She stashed the love letters from her ex-boyfriend in a shoebox under her bed.

Translations

Translations of the word "stash" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esconderijo

🇮🇳 छिपाने का स्थान

🇩🇪 Versteck

🇮🇩 tempat persembunyian

🇺🇦 схованка

🇵🇱 kryjówka

🇯🇵 隠れ家

🇫🇷 cachette

🇪🇸 escondite

🇹🇷 saklanma yeri

🇰🇷 은신처

🇸🇦 مخبأ

🇨🇿 úkryt

🇸🇰 úkryt

🇨🇳 藏匿处

🇸🇮 skrivališče

🇮🇸 felustaður

🇰🇿 жасырын орын

🇬🇪 საფარია

🇦🇿 gizli yer

🇲🇽 escondite

Etymology

The word 'stash' originated in the mid-18th century, derived from the Romani language. It initially referred to a hideout or hiding place. Over time, it evolved to mean a secret store of money or valuables. The usage of 'stash' became popular in the 20th century, particularly in relation to illicit activities like drug trafficking and smuggling.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,786, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.