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Coughed: meaning, definitions and examples

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coughed

 

[ kɔft ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

past tense

The word 'coughed' is the simple past tense of the verb 'cough'. It refers to the act of expelling air from the lungs with a sharp sound, often as a reflex to clear the throat or airways. This action can occur due to various reasons, such as illness, irritation in the throat, or inhalation of foreign substances. Coughing can be a symptom of a health issue but is commonly associated with common colds and respiratory infections.

Synonyms

choked, hacked, heaved

Examples of usage

  • He coughed loudly during the meeting.
  • She coughed several times after inhaling dust.
  • The patient coughed throughout the night.
  • The cold made him cough often.

Word origin

The word 'cough' originates from Middle English 'coughe', which in turn comes from the Old English 'cohhian', meaning to cough or to expel air. The Old English term has links to Germanic languages, reflected in similar words such as Middle Dutch 'koughen' and Old High German 'kofan'. Over the centuries, 'cough' has maintained its connection to the physical act of expelling air from the lungs, and the transition to the past tense 'coughed' reflects a common linguistic pattern seen in many English verbs. The evolution of its usage has been influenced by medical literature and the representation of respiratory conditions throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,127, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.