- This term is a back formation because it uses the Greek root "plex", meaning strike or stroke, as the term itself. This is also a case of widening because the root itself means "strike" but this term means to any type of fight or conflict.
Plex
back formation Back-Formation and Widening; verb
To engage in physical or verbal conflict.
Etymology : From the Greek root "Plex" meaning strike or stroke. Back-formed and widened to mean any type of fight.
Source : “That guy has been plexing me for no reason.” From a friend at a night club in June, 2008.
Last modified: 3 December 2008