affreight

transitive verb

af·​freight
a-ˈfrāt,
ə-
-ed/-ing/-s
: to hire or charter (a ship) for the transportation of goods or freight
affreighter
a-ˈfrā-tər
ə-
noun
plural -s

Word History

Etymology

modification (influenced by freight) of French affréter, from a- (from Latin ad-) + fréter to freight or charter a ship, from fret freight, from Old French, from Middle Dutch vrecht, vracht

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of affreight was in 1831

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near affreight

Cite this Entry

“Affreight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affreight. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!