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Stockpiled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stockpiled

[หˆstษ’kpaษชld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

supply management

To stockpile means to accumulate a large amount of goods or resources for future use. This can involve gathering supplies in anticipation of increased demand or potential shortages. Stockpiling often occurs in preparation for emergencies, economic downturns, or natural disasters. Organizations and households alike may stockpile essential items like food, water, and medical supplies to ensure preparedness.

Synonyms

accumulate, hoard, store.

Examples of usage

  • During the pandemic, many people stockpiled toilet paper and canned goods.
  • The government advised citizens to stockpile necessary supplies for the hurricane season.
  • Businesses stockpiled raw materials to avoid disruptions in production.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Economics

  • Businesses may stockpile goods to prepare for increased demand or supply chain disruptions.
  • During economic crises, communities often stockpile essentials like food and fuel to ensure safety and stability.
  • Stockpiling can lead to shortages and inflated prices if everyone tries to gather the same items at once.

Emergency Preparedness

  • Stockpiling supplies is a common practice among families for natural disasters, ensuring they are ready for emergencies.
  • Emergency kits often include essentials like water, food, and first-aid items that are stockpiled to support a household during crises.
  • Many organizations recommend having at least a 72-hour supply of food and water on hand for unexpected situations.

Pop Culture

  • In survival movies, characters often showcase stockpiling skills as a means to thrive in harsh environments.
  • Reality TV shows sometimes feature competitors stockpiling resources to win challenges, introducing strategies about gathering wealth.
  • Stockpiling has appeared in books and games, symbolizing preparation and survival against overwhelming odds.

Origin of 'stockpiled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'stock', which means a supply or amount of something, with 'pile', meaning to stack or gather.
  • It traces back to Middle English, where 'stoken' meant to store or supply.
  • The usage of 'stockpile' became popular during the 20th century, especially related to military supplies.

The term 'stockpiled' originates from the word 'stock,' which has roots in Middle English, derived from the Old English 'stocc,' meaning 'a log or post.' Over time, the meaning of 'stock' expanded to refer to a supply of goods or resources. The addition of 'pile' refers to a large accumulation or heap. Thus, the combination 'stockpiled' came to signify the act of gathering and storing a substantial quantity of items. This refinement in meaning was particularly influenced by the contexts of warfare and resource management, where stockpiling became crucial for strategic preparedness and sustainability. The concept gained prominence particularly during World War periods when nations were required to stockpile resources for military operations. In contemporary usage, stockpiling is often discussed in the context of economic strategies, emergency preparedness, and consumer behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,064, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.