pet-free
|pet-free|
/ˈpɛtˌfriː/
without pets
Etymology
'pet-free' is a modern English compound formed from 'pet' + the suffix '-free'. 'pet' originates from Middle English/Scots 'pet' (early 16th century), where it meant 'darling' or 'a favourite (often a spoiled child)' and later extended to mean a tamed or domesticated animal. 'free' originates from Old English 'frēo', meaning 'not in bondage, exempt'.
'pet' developed in Middle English/Scots as a word for a favourite or pampered person and by extension a tamed animal; 'free' comes from Old English 'frēo'. In Modern English the productive suffix '-free' (meaning 'without') combined with nouns to form adjectives (e.g., 'smoke-free', 'salt-free'), and this pattern produced the compound 'pet-free'.
Individually, 'pet' shifted from 'darling/favourite' to 'domesticated animal', while 'free' has long meant 'without' or 'not subject to'. Together, the compound came to mean 'without pets' or 'not permitting pets' in contemporary usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not allowing pets; a place, accommodation, or policy that does not permit animals.
The apartment complex is pet-free, so tenants may not keep cats or dogs.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
free from pet-related allergens or animal presence (used when describing rooms, zones, or products intended for people with allergies).
We offer pet-free rooms on request for guests with severe allergies.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/01 05:41