verb
scrounge
SCROUNJ/skraʊndʒ/
To obtain something by searching around or asking others for it.
The man scrounges a usable cord from the box of miscellaneous leftovers.
Etymology
Dialectal scrunge combined rummaging with stealthy searching or pilfering. That mixture connects searching for something with acquiring it by informal or irregular means; the dialect word’s deeper origin is uncertain.
In context
A lot of the traders where swapping trade goods for trade goods, rather than coin. Leonard really had to work his sticky fingers to scrounge up enough money to buy food.
More examples
- Can you scrounge up a few chairs for the meeting?
- I scrounged a ride home from a coworker.
- She is scrounging for change to pay the parking meter.
Forms
scrounge · scrounges · scrounged · scrounging
scrounger noun — A person who obtains things by scrounging.
Similar words
- cadge
- Specifically means obtaining something by asking, often without paying.
- forage
- Emphasizes searching widely for food or supplies rather than asking.
- rummage
- Emphasizes searching through things, without necessarily obtaining anything.