root [OE] This is an Old English word related to Latin radix (see radical) and wort [OE], which is used in the names of plants such as St John’s wort. Root and branch, used to emphasize how thoroughly something is dealt with, goes back to the biblical book of Malachi: ‘The day cometh that shall burn them up…that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.’ See also money. Root used of an animal turning up the ground with its snout in search of food is a completely different word, that may ultimately be linked to Latin rodere ‘gnaw’ (see rodent). Someone backing a candidate for a post may be said to be rooting for them [L19th]—perhaps with the idea of trying to dig up further support through their efforts.