Bawled: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word has roots in the Old English 'bealu,' which means 'harm' or 'evil,' suggesting that strong emotions are often tied to pain.
• It evolved through Middle English as 'bawlen,' reflecting a more direct connection to loud crying.
• Bawling has been used in literature for centuries to depict intense emotional moments.

Psychology

• Crying, including bawling, can serve as a natural way to release built-up stress and emotions.
• Studies show that emotional tears contain stress hormones, which means bawling might help the body restore balance.
• Expressing emotions through crying has been linked to increased feelings of empathy and connection to others.

Pop Culture

• In movies and television, characters often bawl during pivotal scenes, amplifying the emotional impact on the audience.
• Popular songs often feature themes of heartbreak, urging listeners to embrace their feelings, which can lead to bawling.
• Bawling contests exist in some cultures, celebrating the act of crying as a way to express deep feeling.

Literature

• Classic literature uses bawling to symbolize profound loss or despair, revealing character depth.
• In children's books, characters often bawl to reflect simple, relatable emotions that kids can understand.
• Poets frequently employ the imagery of bawling to capture the intensity of sorrow or nostalgia.

Social Context

• Different cultures have varying norms about public crying; in some, bawling is seen as a genuine expression of grief.
• Social stigma can sometimes accompany crying, leading individuals to suppress their emotions, unlike the more open expression seen in some cultures.
• Bawling in public places, such as funerals, often allows community members to connect through shared sorrow.

At rank #28,624, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 28621 trussed
• 28622 scintillating
• 28623 riff
• 28624 bawled
• 28625 reassemble
• 28626 bloating
• 28627 smugly
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