Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Bailing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🚤
Add to dictionary

bailing

[ˈbeɪlɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

leaving quickly

Bailing is often used to describe the act of abandoning a situation or leaving a place swiftly, sometimes in an attempt to avoid responsibility or challenges. This informal usage can apply to various situations, from relationships to job commitments. Additionally, the term may refer to the act of removing water from a boat or similar object using a container. Such usage is more literal and pertains to maritime activities.

Synonyms

abandon, forsake, leave, vacate.

Examples of usage

  • He was bailing on our plans at the last minute.
  • She had to bail water out of the canoe after it started taking on water.
  • After months of stress at work, I decided to bail and take a vacation instead.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Nautical Practices

  • Bailing is a critical skill for sailors, especially in small boats where water can quickly accumulate.
  • Traditionally, bailing was done with buckets; now, many use pumps for efficiency.
  • In survival situations at sea, bailing can mean the difference between life and death.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, scenes depicting characters bailing water often heighten tension and show urgency.
  • The phrase 'bail out' is commonly used in contexts beyond boats, like escaping a bad situation.

Environmental Impact

  • Excess water in boats can lead to pollution if it contains harmful substances.
  • Promoting safe practices while bailing helps maintain marine ecosystems by ensuring waste is disposed of properly.

Literature

  • Bailing is often used as a metaphor in literature, symbolizing the act of trying to maintain control in chaotic situations.
  • Many adventure novels use bailing scenes to illustrate a character's struggle against overwhelming odds.

Origin of 'bailing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'bailler', which means to 'give' or 'deliver'.
  • In a nautical context, it evolved to mean 'to remove water', as if giving the boat a chance to stay afloat.

The term 'bailing' comes from the Middle English word 'bailen', which is derived from the Old French 'bailler', meaning 'to deliver or give'. This etymology reflects the action of providing a vessel with a way to remove unwanted substance, such as water. Over time, the word evolved to gain its additional meanings associated with sudden departure or abandonment. In contemporary usage, particularly in slang, it captures a sense of urgency or irresponsibility, often implying a decision made under pressure or discomfort. Today, 'bailing' is widely recognized in both formal and informal settings, bridging its historical maritime roots with modern colloquial language.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,647, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.