Battered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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battered
[ˈbætərd ]
Definitions
physical state
Battered refers to something that has been damaged, beaten, or worn down by repeated impact or hardship. It can describe objects, like furniture or vehicles, that show signs of wear, or be used to refer to individuals who have been subjected to physical or emotional abuse.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The battered car was hardly drivable.
- She left the relationship feeling battered and broken.
- The battered old chair sat in the corner, a remnant of better days.
to abuse
To batter means to hit repeatedly with force. This term often refers to physical assault, where an individual is hit multiple times causing injury or pain.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He was arrested for battering his partner.
- The storm battered the coastal town for hours.
- They batter the dough until it is smooth.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- The term can describe emotional states, where individuals feel 'battered' by stress or negativity in their lives.
- Research in psychology discusses how prolonged emotional battering can lead to conditions like depression or anxiety.
- The phrase 'battered wife syndrome' refers to a condition affecting some victims of domestic violence, showcasing its serious implications.
Cultural Significance
- In culinary culture, 'battered' foods are popular in many cuisines, especially in fried dishes like tempura or fish and chips.
- Art and literature often use 'battered' metaphorically to describe characters facing hardship, symbolizing resilience.
- In sports, players sometimes refer to themselves as 'battered' when they endure multiple injuries during a tough game.
Literature
- In classic literature, characters often reflect a 'battered' spirit in their journeys, symbolizing struggle and survival.
- Modern poetry frequently explores themes of emotional and physical battering, capturing human resilience.
- Novels portraying war often describe landscapes and characters as 'battered,' emphasizing the impact of conflict.
Social Issues
- Society often uses 'battered' to discuss issues of domestic violence, highlighting the need for support and resources for victims.
- Activism focused on 'battered' individuals aims to raise awareness and provide assistance through shelters and counseling services.
- Legal terminology includes 'battered woman syndrome,' which acknowledges physical and psychological impacts of sustained abuse.
Origin of 'battered'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'battered' comes from the verb 'to batter,' which dates back to the late Middle Ages and means to beat or hit repeatedly.
- Related forms of the word also appear in the context of cooking, like 'battered fish,' which describes food coated in a mixture before frying.
- The Old French word 'batre,' meaning 'to beat,' is an ancestor to the English term, highlighting its long history.
The word 'battered' comes from the Old French word 'battre', which means 'to beat'. It has evolved through Middle English as 'battred', reflecting forms of abuse or repeated strikes. Over time, its meanings expanded to not only physical damage but also emotional and psychological trauma. The usage of 'battered' often conveys a sense of victimization, making it a powerful term in both legal and social contexts. The earliest documented uses date back to the 14th century, illustrating its longstanding presence in the English language. Its association with domestic abuse has heightened public awareness and spurred movements aiming to protect vulnerable individuals. Today, 'battered' captures both the physical implications of damage and the deeper emotional scars left by abusive situations.