Caterwaul: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term comes from the combination of 'cater' (to howl or cry) and 'waul' (to cry out), showcasing its vocal nature.
• It has roots in the Middle English word 'caterwawl,' indicating how long the term has been in use to describe such sounds.
• The word is often associated with both animal behavior and human expressions of intense emotion.

Literature

• In literature, it often depicts chaos or conflict, reflecting intense emotions during arguments or fights.
• Famous poets like T.S. Eliot used the word to evoke emotional states and vividly illustrate scenes in their works.
• In some narratives, characters caterwaul to symbolize their struggles or turmoil, adding depth to storytelling.

Pop Culture

• The term is often used in songs and theatrical works to depict drama or conflict, enhancing the emotional landscape.
• Movies that feature strong emotional confrontations, like animated films, often have characters caterwauling to express distress or fighting.
• In social discussions, people may describe someone who complains loudly or fights over trivial matters as 'caterwauling' to humorously convey annoyance.

Psychology

• Caterwauling can symbolize heightened emotional states, such as stress or fear, indicating underlying feelings needing attention.
• The behavior mimics the sounds of certain animals expressing alarm, suggesting a deep-rooted instinctual response to stressors.
• Understanding this behavior can help in building communication strategies for resolving conflicts more peacefully.

At position #42,149, 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.

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• 42146 unstop
• 42147 brochette
• 42148 splatted
• 42149 caterwaul
• 42150 infatuating
• 42151 interweaved
• 42152 gruffer
• ...