Frolic

Part of speech: verb, noun

Pronunciation: /ˈfɹɒlɪk/

Definitions

1. To play or move about in a lively and playful manner, often with joy and without serious purpose
2. To engage in lighthearted play or carefree movement with exuberant enjoyment and merriment
3. To behave in a cheerful, playful way involving lively movement or amusement without concern for serious matters

Etymology: The verb "frolic" carries a sense of innocent merriment that its Dutch ancestor makes clear: "vrolijk" means "cheerful" or "merry," and English took the word from it in the sixteenth century, when Dutch and English were in close commercial contact. The English form first appeared as a noun meaning a bout of merrymaking, with the verb following from it. Dutch "vrolijk" was itself built from older parts. Its first element goes back to a Proto-Germanic root, "frawaz," which is related to the Middle English "frow," meaning "hasty" or "eager." The second element, "-lik," comes from a Germanic suffix that gives the sense of "-ly" or "-like" in English. So the word began as something like "quick-spirited" or "readily lively," with the idea of eager high spirits built into its making.

Synonyms: play, romp, gambol, cavort

Antonyms: mourn, sulk