interns
|in-tern|
🇺🇸
/ˈɪn.tɝn/
🇬🇧
/ˈɪn.tɜːn/
(intern)
training or confinement
Etymology
'intern' originates from French, specifically the word 'interne', which ultimately comes from Latin 'internus' meaning 'inward' or 'internal'.
'intern' entered English via French 'interne' (used for someone 'inside' or a resident physician). The French 'interne' comes from Latin 'internus'; the English form shifted from 'interne' to modern 'intern' and broadened in meaning to include 'trainee' and the verb senses.
Initially it related to being 'inside' or 'internal'; over time it came to be used of hospital residents ('interne') and then broadened to mean a temporary trainee or to detain/confine (as a verb).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'intern': a student or trainee who works, often temporarily and sometimes without full pay, in order to gain practical experience in a profession.
The company hires several interns each summer to assist on projects.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
plural of 'intern' (medical): junior doctors in training who have graduated from medical school and are gaining supervised clinical experience (in some countries called 'residents' or 'house officers').
Several hospital interns are on duty in the ER tonight.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 1
third-person singular of 'intern' (to confine): to detain or confine (people, such as enemy aliens) often for security reasons, especially during wartime.
During the conflict, the government interns suspected collaborators on remote islands.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
third-person singular of 'intern' (to serve as an intern): to work as an intern at an organization or company (usually to gain experience).
She interns at the museum every summer to learn about curation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/26 01:32