ground1
• noun 1 the solid surface of the earth. 2 land of a specified kind: marshy ground. 3 an area of land or sea with a specified use: fishing grounds. 4 (grounds) an area of enclosed land surrounding a large house. 5 (grounds) factors forming a basis for action or the justification for a belief. 6 a prepared surface to which paint or other decoration is applied. 7 (grounds) solid particles, especially of coffee, which form a residue. 8 N. Amer. electrical connection to the earth. • verb 1 prohibit or prevent (a pilot or aircraft) from flying. 2 run (a ship) aground. 3 (usu. be grounded in/on) give a firm theoretical or practical basis to. 4 place on the ground or touch the ground with. 5 informal, chiefly N. Amer. (of a parent) refuse to allow (a child) to go out socially, as a punishment. 6 N. Amer. connect (an electrical device) with the ground. — PHRASES be thick (or thin) on the ground exist in large (or small) numbers or amounts. break new ground be innovative. gain ground 1 become more popular or accepted. 2 (usu. gain ground on) get closer to someone being pursued. get off the ground start happening or functioning successfully. give (or lose) ground retreat or lose one’s advantage. go to ground (of a fox or other animal) enter its earth or burrow. hold (or stand) one’s ground not retreat or lose one’s advantage. on the ground in a place where real, practical work is done. on one’s own ground in one’s own territory or area of knowledge. work (or run) oneself into the ground exhaust oneself by working or running very hard. — ORIGIN Old English.
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