Crowbarring Meaning: Definition and Examples
🔧
crowbarring
[ˈkrōˌbär ]
Definition
physical action
Crowbarring refers to the act of using a crowbar, a tool designed for prying things apart, lifting heavy objects, or breaking apart materials like wood or metal. This action typically involves inserting the crowbar into a gap and applying leverage to create movement or separation. It is commonly used in construction, demolition, and various manual labor tasks. The technique requires a certain level of strength and skill to be performed effectively.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He was crowbarring the old shutters off the window.
- They spent hours crowbarring the debris away from the site.
- The workers were crowbarring the heavy crates onto the truck.
Interesting Facts
Tools and Engineering
- Crowbars are made of metal and usually have a curved end and a flat end, allowing them to be used for both prying and hammering.
- They are essential tools in construction, demolition, and rescue operations, showcasing their versatility.
Pop Culture
- Crowbars often appear in movies and video games as a tool for characters to break into places or escape, giving them a tough, resourceful image.
- In the gaming world, crowbars are featured as iconic weapons, such as in the popular game 'Half-Life', where it symbolizes survival.
History
- During World War II, soldiers used crowbars to break into buildings and vehicles for reconnaissance and supplies.
- The crowbar has been historically known for assisting in grand heists, making it a symbol of cleverness in popular heist genres.
Psychology
- The act of crowbarring something open can symbolize breaking free from constraints or obstacles in one's life, reflecting a desire for change.
- In metaphoric terms, some people refer to 'crowbarring' an idea into a conversation when they forcefully insert a point into a discussion.
Origin of 'crowbarring'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the word 'crowbar', which was originally called 'crow' because of its resemblance to the beak of a crow when used to pry things.
- Historically, crowbars date back to ancient times; they were called 'pry bars' before the name evolved to 'crowbar.'
The term 'crowbar' dates back to the 14th century, originating from the combination of 'crow' and 'bar'. The 'crow' component is believed to come from the Old Norse word 'kraftr', referencing the strong and adaptable nature of crows that could pry open things. Initially, the tool was used by carpenters and builders for lifting and prying apart various materials. Over time, the use of the crowbar expanded into other fields such as mining, where it became essential for breaking rock and lifting heavy loads. The verb form 'crowbarring' has emerged as the tool became more associated with manual labor and industrial work, solidifying its place in English vernacular as a common action related to construction and demolition.