Pet Definition
pĕt
pets, petted, petting
noun
pets
An animal that is tamed or domesticated and kept as a companion or treated with fondness.
Webster's New World
An object of the affections.
American Heritage
A person who is treated with particular affection or indulgence; favorite.
Webster's New World
A state of sulky peevishness or ill humor.
Webster's New World
A fit of bad temper or pique.
American Heritage
adjective
Kept or treated as a pet.
A pet duck.
Webster's New World
Particularly cherished or indulged.
A pet grandchild.
American Heritage
Especially liked; favorite.
Webster's New World
Greatest; especial; particular.
One's pet peeve.
Webster's New World
Showing fondness or affection.
A pet name.
Webster's New World
Antonyms:
verb
pets, petted, petting
To stroke or caress gently.
American Heritage
To kiss, embrace, fondle, etc., passionately in mutual sexual stimulation.
Webster's New World
To be sulky and peevish.
American Heritage
To stroke or pat (now, esp., an animal) affectionately.
Webster's New World
To be indulgent toward; pamper.
Webster's New World
abbreviation
Positron emission tomography.
American Heritage
Polyethylene terephthalate.
Webster's New World
Peter.
Webster's New World
Origin of Pet
-
Originally from Northern English and Scots dialects, origin is unsure but may have arisen due to influence of petty pertaining to children and later companion animals. Almost certainly of Germanic etymology.
From Wiktionary
Scottish Gaelic peata tame animal, pet from Old Irish
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
-
Abbreviation of petition.
From Wiktionary
-
Diminutive of petal.
From Wiktionary
Origin unknown
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
Origin unknown.
From Wiktionary
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