Stockpile Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stockpile

[ˈstɒkˌpaɪl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in emergency situations

A large accumulated stock of goods or materials, especially one held in reserve for use at a time of shortage or emergency.

Synonyms

cache, hoard, reserve, stash.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stockpile	Used when referring to a large amount of supplies or goods that are stored for future use, typically for emergency or long-term planning. The government decided to stockpile medical supplies in case of another pandemic Farmers are stockpiling grain before the winter season
reserve	Used to refer to a portion set aside for future use, especially to be used in specific or formal situations. The company keeps a financial reserve for unexpected expenses The museum has a reserve collection that is not on public display
cache	Commonly used when referring to a hidden or secure collection of items, often in a context where they need to be retrieved secretly or stored for some special purpose. The hikers found a cache of supplies hidden under the rocks The programmer cleared the cache to speed up the system
hoard	Often associated with accumulating items in excess and usually has a negative connotation, implying greed or unnecessary accumulation. He has a tendency to hoard old newspapers in his attic During the crisis, people started to hoard toilet paper and bottled water
stash	Informally refers to a small amount of something that is kept hidden or stored away, usually for personal use. She has a stash of chocolate hidden in her desk drawer The thieves found his stash of cash under the floorboards

Examples of usage

The government has a stockpile of medical supplies for emergencies.
The company has a stockpile of resources to withstand economic downturns.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in preparation for future use

To accumulate a stockpile of goods or materials for future use or emergency situations.

Synonyms

accumulate, amass, gather, hoard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stockpile	Typically used when referring to collecting large quantities of supplies or materials for future use, often in preparation for emergencies or shortages. Governments often stockpile medical supplies to prepare for pandemics. The company decided to stockpile raw materials to avoid disruptions in production.
amass	Implied when referring to gathering a large quantity, often used with wealth, data, or an impressive collection. It emphasizes the effort put into gathering something substantial. She managed to amass a fortune through her business ventures. Over the years, he amassed an impressive amount of scientific data.
accumulate	Used when describing the gradual gathering or increase of things over time, often in a general or neutral context. Dust accumulated on the shelves over the years. He accumulated a vast collection of rare coins.
gather	Commonly used when referring to bringing together people, objects, or information, often in a more casual or social context. They gathered around the table to discuss the project. She gathered flowers from the garden for the bouquet.
hoard	Has a negative connotation and is used when talking about keeping large amounts of items secretly or in a selfish manner, typically more than is considered necessary or reasonable. He began to hoard food during the crisis, leaving little for others. They found a hidden room where the old man had hoarded money and old newspapers.

Examples of usage

The country stockpiled weapons in preparation for war.
She stockpiled food in her pantry for the winter.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

During World War II, countries stockpiled materials like rubber and steel to ensure they had enough resources for military production.
The Cold War era saw nations stockpiling nuclear weapons and supplies as a strategy of deterrence against potential conflict.
In the 1970s, the oil crisis led to the stockpiling of reserves in many countries to buffer against fuel shortages.

Economics

Businesses often stockpile inventory to avoid shortages when demand unexpectedly increases.
The concept of stockpiling is also important in supply chain management, ensuring efficient distribution and cost management.
In economic downturns, governments may encourage stockpiling of essential goods to stabilize local markets.

Environmental Science

In environmental contexts, stockpiling refers to the storage of natural resources, like water and timber, for sustainable use.
Conservationists advocate for stockpiling certain species in reserves to prevent extinction and ensure biodiversity.
During natural disasters, communities are encouraged to stockpile emergency supplies, such as food and water, for resilience.

Psychology

People may stockpile items due to fear of shortages, a behavior studied in relation to anxiety and consumer behavior.
The tendency to hoard or stockpile can be linked to personal experiences of scarcity or loss.
Psychological theories suggest that stockpiling provides a sense of security and control over one’s environment.

Origin of 'stockpile'

Main points about word origin

The term 'stockpile' comes from the word 'stock,' meaning supply, combined with 'pile,' indicating a heap or collection.
The concept has roots in trading and commerce, where merchants would keep extra supplies to meet future demand.
The word has been commonly used since the 1900s, particularly in contexts involving military and emergency preparedness.

The word 'stockpile' originated in the mid-19th century, combining 'stock' (meaning a supply of goods) and 'pile' (meaning a heap or mass of something). The concept of stockpiling has been prevalent throughout history, particularly in times of war or crisis, to ensure a reserve of essential resources. Stockpiling can serve as a strategic measure to mitigate risks and uncertainties.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,568, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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16565 artifice
16566 intersected
16567 infect
16568 stockpile
16569 denser
16570 interpretative
16571 repudiate
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