dig

dig

dig¹ [dig]

vt.

dug, digging [ME diggen < Anglo-Fr * diguer < OFr digue, dike < Du dijk: see DIKE¹]

1. to break and turn up or remove (ground, etc.) with a spade or other tool, or with hands, claws, snout, etc.

2. to make (a hole, cellar, one's way, etc.) by or as by doing this

3. to uncover and get from the ground or another surface in this way [to dig potatoes, to dig a nail out of a board ]

☆ 4. to find out, as by careful study or investigation; unearth: usually with up or out [to dig out the truth]

5. to thrust, jab, or prod [to dig an elbow into someone's ribs ]

☆ 6. Slang

a) to understand

b) to approve of or like

c) to notice; look at [dig that shirt!]

vi.

1. to dig the ground or any surface

2. to make a way by or as by digging (through, into, under)

☆ 3. Informal to work or study hard

n.

1. the act of digging

2. Informal a thrust, poke, nudge, etc.

3. Informal a sarcastic comment; taunt; gibe

4. an archaeological excavation or its site

5. [pl.] [Informal, Chiefly Brit.] Chiefly Brit. Informal living quarters; lodgings

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dig in

1. to dig trenches or foxholes for cover

2. to entrench oneself

3. Informal

a) to begin to work intensively

b) to begin eating

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dig in one's heels

Informal to refuse to give up or modify one's opinion, policy, attitude, etc., esp. when faced with opposition

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dig into

1. to penetrate by or as by digging

2. Informal to work hard at

dig²

abbrev.

digest