mothball
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈmɔːθbɔːl/
KK: /ˈmɔθˌbɔl/
noun
Definition
A small ball made of a substance like naphthalene, used to keep clothes safe from moths and other insects during storage.
Example
She placed mothballs in the closet to protect her winter clothes from moth damage.
Conversation
I found some old clothes in the attic that I had stored away.
Did you use mothballs to protect them?
Yeah, I think I did, but I'm not sure if they still smell fine.
You might want to check, just to be safe!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
safeguard
preserve
storage
Antonyms
discard
release
expose
transitive verb
Definition
To put something into storage or to stop using it, often to preserve it for future use.
Example
The company decided to mothball the old factory until the economy improved.
Tense Forms
Past: mothballed
Past Participle: mothballed
Conversation
I heard they decided to mothball the old community center project.
Really? I thought that was going to be a big deal for the neighborhood.
Yeah, it's disappointing, but they said they might revisit it later.
Root Explanation
Mothball → The word is formed from 'moth' (from Old English *moððe*, meaning a type of flying insect) and 'ball' (from Old French *balle*, meaning a round object). Mothball refers to a small round object used to repel moths, particularly in clothing storage.
Memory Tip
Think of the insect 'moth' that these 'balls' are designed to repel, helping you remember that mothballs are used to keep moths away.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.