Semantic change refers to alterations in a word’s meaning over time, shaping language and affecting communication. Examples include words broadening (e.g., “nice” originally meant “stupid”) or narrowing (e.g., “meat” once meant “food”). Metaphor and metonymy drive semantic change, as seen in “button” (originally “bud”) or “computer” (from “compute”). Historical linguistics and dictionaries help trace these changes, influenced by culture and social factors. Notable examples include “meat,” which shifted from general food to animal flesh, or “troll,” which evolved from a mythical creature to an online antagonist.
