Bacchanal: meaning, definitions and examples

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bacchanal

 

[ ˈbækəˌnæl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

party, revelry

A bacchanal is a wild and drunken celebration, often characterized by excess and uninhibited behavior. It derives its name from the Roman god Bacchus, who was associated with wine, fertility, and merrymaking.

Synonyms

bacchanalia, celebration, debauchery, orgy

Examples of usage

  • The annual festival turned into a bacchanal, with people dancing and singing in the streets.
  • They threw a bacchanal to celebrate their graduation, complete with music and plenty of wine.
  • The ancient Greeks held bacchanals to honor Dionysus, the god of wine and festivity.

Translations

Translations of the word "bacchanal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bacanal

🇮🇳 बैकनल

🇩🇪 Bacchanal

🇮🇩 bacchanal

🇺🇦 бакханалія

🇵🇱 bacchanalia

🇯🇵 バッカナル

🇫🇷 bacchanale

🇪🇸 bacanal

🇹🇷 bacchanal

🇰🇷 바카날

🇸🇦 باخنال

🇨🇿 bakchanálie

🇸🇰 bacchanalia

🇨🇳 巴克汉利

🇸🇮 bakhanalija

🇮🇸 bacchanal

🇰🇿 бақанал

🇬🇪 ბაქანალია

🇦🇿 bakkanal

🇲🇽 bacanal

Etymology

The term "bacchanal" originates from the Latin word 'Bacchanalia,' which referred to the Roman festivals of Bacchus. These festivities were originally celebrated in honor of the god of wine and agriculture, drawing on earlier Greek practices of honoring Dionysus. The bacchanalia were marked by ecstatic rituals, indulgence in wine, and unrestrained revelry, which at times were criticized for their associated excesses and lack of moral restraint. By the late Republic, these celebrations had grown notorious, leading to a crackdown by authorities who were concerned about the licentious behavior they often provoked. The word 'bacchanal' gradually entered English usage, signifying festive or riotous occasions, especially those involving drunkenness and debauchery. Over the centuries, it has come to symbolize any lively party that echoes the spirit of these ancient festivals.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,635, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.