Chloroformed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🩹
chloroformed
[ˌklɔːrəˈfɔːrmd ]
Definition
past tense
Chloroformed refers to the act of having rendered someone unconscious or insensible by the use of chloroform, a volatile chemical compound. This usage is often associated with stories of crime or medicine, illustrating a method employed to incapacitate a subject.
Synonyms
anesthetized, narcotized, sedated.
Examples of usage
- The detective discovered that the victim had been chloroformed before the robbery.
- In a classic movie scene, the kidnapper chloroformed the protagonist.
- The old medical textbook detailed how patients were chloroformed prior to surgery.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- In the 19th century, chloroform was widely used as an anesthetic during surgeries, significantly reducing pain for patients.
- Famous figures like Queen Victoria used chloroform during childbirth, which helped popularize its use in obstetrics.
Science and Chemistry
- Chloroform is a colorless, sweet-smelling chemical that can be synthesized through the reaction of chlorine and methane.
- In the body, chloroform is metabolized by the liver, which can lead to both therapeutic effects and toxic reactions when used improperly.
Pop Culture
- Chloroform has often been depicted in movies and TV shows as a tool for kidnapping and nefarious acts, leading to its controversial reputation.
- The phrase 'chloroformed' often invokes dramatic imagery in storytelling, signifying a sudden loss of consciousness.
Ethics and Psychology
- The use of chloroform and similar substances raises ethical concerns, particularly in terms of consent and the safety of individuals being rendered unconscious.
- Psychologists study the impact of unconsciousness and memory loss related to anesthetics, developing safer methods for sedation and surgery.
Origin of 'chloroformed'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from 'chloro' meaning green and 'form' indicating its relation to the chemical group formic acid.
- Chloroform was first discovered in 1831 by chemist Samuel Guthrie, although its namesake came later.
The term 'chloroformed' derives from the word 'chloroform,' which is a compound initially synthesized in 1831 by the American physician and chemist Samuel Guthrie. The name itself comes from the Greek words 'chloros,' meaning green, and 'morphe,' meaning shape or form, referring to its colorless liquid form. Chloroform gained popularity in the 19th century as an anesthetic used in surgeries, where it was used to render patients unconscious. The practice of chloroforming individuals, particularly in crime or kidnapping scenarios, became common in literature and cinema during this period, leading to a cultural stigma surrounding the substance. Over the years, awareness of the potential dangers and side effects of chloroform as a medical anesthetic has led to its decreased use in the medical field.