Cradling: meaning, definitions and examples
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cradling
[ˈkreɪ.dlɪŋ ]
Definition
holding gently
Cradling refers to the act of holding someone or something closely and gently in one's arms. This action often conveys a sense of love, care, or protection. It can apply to various scenarios, such as a parent cradling a baby, or someone cradling an object to prevent it from falling. The term emphasizes a nurturing gesture that is often associated with safety and comfort.
Synonyms
embracing, holding, rocking, supporting.
Examples of usage
- She was cradling the baby in her arms.
- He cradled the fragile vase carefully.
- The mother cradled her child to soothe him.
- They were cradling the puppy as they walked home.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'cradle' comes from the Old English 'cradle,' which means a small bed for babies.
- Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word 'krādlō,' referring to a rocking bed.
- The term evolved over centuries to represent both the act of holding and an object like a cradle.
Psychology
- Cradling can evoke feelings of safety and comfort, often associated with early childhood experiences.
- Research suggests that cradling gestures can reduce anxiety and create a calming effect on both the holder and the held.
- This action fosters bonding through physical touch, essential for emotional development in infants.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, cradling is not just for babies; it's also a gesture of care for loved ones in distress.
- The act of cradling is often depicted in art, symbolizing love, tenderness, and nurturing across various cultures.
- Traditional practices in some cultures involve cradling infants in cloths, promoting closeness and facilitating breastfeeding.
Literature
- Cradling appears in poetry and prose as a metaphor for protection and love, often highlighting a caregiver's bond with a child.
- Literary works frequently use cradling as a motif to discuss broader themes of vulnerability and nurture.
- In stories, cradling is often depicted during moments of joy or sorrow, marking significant transitions in character relationships.
Visual Arts
- Artists often depict cradling to convey emotional depth, using it to represent themes of motherhood and care.
- Famous paintings frequently feature figures cradling children or each other, symbolizing connection and warmth.
- Cradling also appears in sculpture, representing the human touch and the intimacy of relationships.
Translations
Translations of the word "cradling" in other languages:
🇵🇹 acolhendo
- embalar
- balançar
🇮🇳 गोद में लेना
🇩🇪 wiegen
🇮🇩 menggendong
🇺🇦 колихання
🇵🇱 kołysanie
🇯🇵 抱く (だく)
🇫🇷 bercer
🇪🇸 acunar
- mecer
- sostener en brazos
🇹🇷 kucaklama
🇰🇷 안다 (anda)
🇸🇦 احتضان (ihtidan)
🇨🇿 kolébání
🇸🇰 kolísanie
🇨🇳 摇晃 (yáohuàng)
🇸🇮 zibanje
🇮🇸 vagga
🇰🇿 тербету
🇬🇪 საჭე (sache)
🇦🇿 sallanmaq
🇲🇽 mecear