lambánō

lambánō agr.λᾰμβᾰ́νω "nehme"

From Proto-Hellenic *hlagʷ-, probably from a Proto-Indo-European *(s)leh₂gʷ-, with cognates including Old English læċċan (English latch). This etymology is supported by the form ΛΗΑΒΩΝ (lhabōn, aorist participle) found in an inscription in Corfu indicating initial voiceless /l̥/, which would have developed from a Proto-Indo-European *sl- cluster. Also see λάζομαι (lázomai) and λάφυρον (láphuron).

The present stem λαμβάνω (lambánō) has zero-grade of the PIE root with nasal infix and suffix, like λανθάνω (lanthánō, “do secretly”) and τυγχάνω (tunkhánō, “happen”). The second aorist ἔλᾰβον (élabon) has zero-grade and no further modifications, like ἔλαθον (élathon) and ἔτυχον(étukhon). The forms with eta, such as future λήψομαι (lḗpsomai), have e-grade, like λήσω (lḗsō) and τεύξομαι (teúxomai). The e-grade perfect εἴληφα (eílēpha) derives from reduplication of the original stem in *sl- (*sesl- > *εἱλ- (*heil-) regularly followed by unexpected loss of aspiration), but the change from β (b) to φ (ph) is irregular.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /lam.bá.nɔː/ → /lamˈba.no/ → /lamˈba.no/

Verb

λᾰμβᾰ́νω • (lambánō) first-singular present indicative

1. to take
   1. to take hold of, grasp, seize
      1. to take by force, plunder
      2. to exact (punishment)
   2. (of emotions) to seize
      1. (of a god) to possess
      2. (of darkness, etc.) to cover
   3. to catch, overtake
   4. to catch, discover, detect
   5. to bind (under oath)
   6. to keep
   7. to take (food or drugs)
   8. to perceive, understand
      1. (logic) to assume, take as grante
   9. to undertake
2. to receive, get
   1. to admit
   2. (of emotions)
3. (middle voice) to take hold of
   1. to lay hands upon
   2. to find fault with, censure
   3. to check oneself