stíbit

Stíbit is a Czech verb that appears primarily in historical, dialectal, or literary contexts. In modern standard Czech its use is rare, and speakers typically use stíhat or pronásledovat to express similar ideas. The form is generally considered archaic or regional, and it is most often found in older texts or in stylized prose.

Etymology: The exact origin is uncertain. It is usually grouped with other Slavic pursuit verbs and is thought to share a common root with stíhat, though the semantic development is not agreed upon. Some linguists suggest a tenuous link to stín (shadow) via the metaphor of following someone, but this remains speculative.

Meanings: In historical usage, stíbit carried senses such as to pursue, to chase down, to harass, or to bring to account. The nuance varied by text and period, ranging from legitimate pursuit in a legal context to coercive harassment. In some dialects it could also convey the idea of tracing or tracking someone or something.

Usage: The verb is mostly found in medieval charters, ballads, chronicles, and stylized translations. Modern writers typically reserve it for period pieces or for echoing archaic diction. Learners are advised to replace it with stíhat or pronásledovat in contemporary Czech.

See also: stíhat, pronásledovat, stín.