Besotting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
besotting
[bษชหsษtษชล ]
Definition
excessive admiration
Besotting refers to the act of overwhelming someone with admiration or infatuation to the point where it clouds their judgment or decision-making. This overwhelming affection can lead to a state of obsession, where the individual loses their ability to think clearly or reasonably. The term is often used to describe the effect of love or intense admiration, which can cause people to act irrationally or become blind to faults. In literature and psychology, besotting is typically viewed as a hindrance to clear thought.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She was besotting her with compliments.
- His besotting attitude made him ignore her flaws.
- The artist's work had a besotting effect on the audience.
Translations
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Origin of 'besotting'
The term 'besotting' is derived from the word 'besot,' which has its roots in the Middle English word 'besotten' meaning 'to make foolish or to confuse.' This word ultimately comes from the Old English 'besottian,' which combines 'be-' meaning 'about' or 'completely' and 'sottian' meaning 'to make foolish.' The prefix 'be-' intensifies the meaning of the verb, while 'sottian' is related to the idea of intoxication or being rendered foolish, akin to being drunk. Over time, 'besotโ and its derivatives came to signify an overwhelming and often irrationally intense admiration or love that can cloud one's judgment. The word has evolved in usage but continues to convey this sense of being enveloped by affection in a way that may impede rational thought.