Semantic change, also known as semantic shift or semantic progression describes the
evolution of word usage usually to the point that the modern meaning is radically different
from the original usage. In diachronic (or historical) linguistics, semantic change is a change in
one of the meanings of a word. Every word has a variety of senses and connotations, which can
be added, removed, or altered over time, often to the extent that cognates across space and time
have very different meanings. The study of semantic change can be seen as part of etymology,
onomasiology, semasiology, and semantics.
Examples
Narrowing: Change from superordinate level to subordinate level. For example, skyline
used to refer to any horizon, but now it has narrowed to a horizon decorated by
skyscrapers.
Widening: Change from subordinate level to superordinate level. There are many
examples of specific brand names being used for the general product, such as with
Kleenex. Such uses are known as generonyms.
Metaphor: Change based on similarity of thing. For example, broadcast originally
meant "to cast seeds out"; with the advent of radio and television, the word was
extended to indicate the transmission of audio and video signals. Outside of agricultural
circles, very few people use broadcast in the earlier sense.