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Boomeranged: meaning, definitions and examples

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boomeranged

 

[ ˈbuːməræŋd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

object return

The term 'boomeranged' refers to the action of something being thrown and returning to the thrower, much like a boomerang, which is an aerodynamic object designed to come back to the user. In a broader context, it can describe situations where actions or decisions taken by a person lead to unintended consequences that negatively affect the original actor. This can happen in various fields, including politics, business, and interpersonal relationships. The term suggests a cyclical effect of actions, where what was intended to be a one-sided affair turns into an unexpected response or backlash.

Synonyms

backfire, rebound, return, reverse.

Examples of usage

  • His decision to cut funding boomeranged when support dwindled.
  • The prank he played on his friend boomeranged spectacularly.
  • The marketing campaign boomeranged as customers criticized it.
  • Their aggressive tactics eventually boomeranged against them.

Translations

Translations of the word "boomeranged" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retornado

🇮🇳 बूमरैंग किया गया

🇩🇪 zurückgekehrt

🇮🇩 dikembalikan

🇺🇦 повернуте

🇵🇱 wrócony

🇯🇵 ブーメランされた

🇫🇷 retourné

🇪🇸 devuelto

🇹🇷 geri döndü

🇰🇷 부메랑된

🇸🇦 عاد

🇨🇿 vrácený

🇸🇰 vrátený

🇨🇳 返回的

🇸🇮 vrnjen

🇮🇸 snúið aftur

🇰🇿 қайтарылған

🇬🇪 დაბრუნებული

🇦🇿 geri qaytarılmış

🇲🇽 devuelto

Etymology

The word 'boomerang' originates from the Aboriginal Australian language, specifically from the Wiradjuri word 'bumarang'. It was borrowed into English in the late 19th century, around the time when European colonizers began to document and explore Aboriginal culture and practices. Initially, it referred to the physical throwing tool used by Indigenous Australians for hunting, characterized by its unique ability to return to the thrower when thrown correctly. Over time, the term evolved to include metaphorical uses, particularly in modern contexts, where it describes situations that backfire or have unintended consequences. The transition of 'boomerang' into 'boomeranged' as a verb reflects its adaptation into everyday language, illustrating how cultural artifacts can influence and enrich the lexicon of a language.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,515, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.