becalm

[bih-kahm]

verb (used with object)

1. to deprive (a sailing vessel) of the wind necessary to move it; subject to a calm.

   The schooner was becalmed in the horse latitudes for two weeks.

2. Archaic.,  to calm; pacify.

Word History and Origins

Origin of becalm¹

First recorded in 1550–60; be- + calm

Example Sentences

“There’s not much to do on a becalmed ship but play cards,” he’d said.

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The nursery is becalmed, and Penelope reconsiders her position.

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First seen cycling his city’s streets day and night with a becalmed sense of ownership, Holland’s Roger is a die-hard Brooklynite none too happy with the smoothing over of his cherished neighborhoods by “obscene” money.

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The constitutional question, so vital for the past decade, seems becalmed after the general election result.

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Instead Root becalmed the situation with flawless defence, perfect judgement and endless determination.

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