Semantics of destruction verbs in the lithuanian language

Semantics of Destruction Verbs in the Lithuanian Language This study investigates semantics of destruction verbs in Lithuanian language. The object of this study are Lithuanian destruction verbs daužti, daužyti; durti; drėksti, draskyti; gliaudyti; kapoti; kirpti, karpyti; kirsti; laužti, laužyti; lukštenti; lupti; malti; pjauti, pjaustyti; plėšti, plėšyti; rauti; raikyti; skelti, skaldyti; skusti; traiškyti. These verbs were investigated applying methods of cognitive and structural semantics. In cognitive aspect were described destruction situations, main numbers of those situations and semantic motivation of these verbs. In structural aspect were described linear links of the words and valency of destruction verbs. The results of this investigation shows, that most of these verbs are polysemous: they can name not only destruction action. It is confirmed by their usage in different contexs and different selection of valence partners. In this study is presented classification of destruction verbs which is based on the result of the action. There are appointed four groups of situations: destruction of whole object, destruction of the surface of the object, poking and pulling up