Cankered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cankered
[ˈkæŋkərd ]
Definition
disease condition
Cankered refers to a state of being affected by a canker, which is an ulcerous condition or a disease that causes decay in the plant or animal tissues. It can also describe something that is morally corrupt or infected.
Synonyms
corrupted, decayed, infected, rotting.
Examples of usage
- The cankered tree showed signs of severe decay.
- Such cankered thoughts can lead to negative actions.
- She felt cankered by the betrayal among her friends.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'cankered'
The term 'cankered' originates from the Middle English word 'cankre', which itself comes from the Old French 'cancres', meaning a cancer or sore. This Old French term traces back to Latin 'cancer', a word that not only refers to the disease affecting cells but also to the crab with a hard shell due to corrosion, emphasizing the idea of decay or deterioration. The evolution of its meaning over time has broadened to encompass not just physical decay in living organisms but also metaphorical applications, such as emotional or moral corruption. In literature, the term has been used since at least the 15th century, often in poetic or descriptive contexts. The word captures both the physical and psychological realms of decay, illustrating how language can evolve to address complex human experiences.