Crumpling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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crumpling
[ˈkrʌmplɪŋ ]
Definition
physical action
Crumpling refers to the act of crushing or folding something, typically paper, into a compact mass. This action usually results in the formation of wrinkles or creases on the surface material. Crumpling is often done intentionally to dispose of unwanted paper or to create a specific texture in art or design. The term can also describe similar actions with various materials, indicating a loss of form or structure.
Synonyms
crush, fold, squeeze, wrinkle.
Examples of usage
- She crumpled the paper and threw it in the bin.
- The artist enjoyed crumpling the tin foil to create new shapes.
- After reading the letter, he crumpled it in frustration.
- The wind crumpled the plastic bag, making it dance across the sidewalk.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In physics, crumpling can illustrate how materials behave under pressure, showcasing the transition from a smooth state to a deformed one.
- Research in materials science studies crumpling to improve the durability of packaging and protect fragile items.
- Crumpling paper uses less energy than tearing it, demonstrating how different actions result in various states of matter.
Art
- Crumpling is often a technique used in sculpture and origami, giving texture and depth to otherwise flat materials.
- Some artists intentionally crumple paper to create unique textures in their artworks, playing with light and shadow.
- The act of crumpling can symbolize chaos or emotional turmoil in visual storytelling.
Psychology
- People may crumple paper when stressed, as a physical manifestation of their feelings.
- Crumpling can represent the struggle against perfectionism; hitting 'reset' on unrealistic expectations.
- Tactile activities like crumpling can serve as a stress relief tool, helping to refocus attention.
Pop Culture
- Animated movies often use crumpling effects to depict emotional scenes, where objects mirror characters' feelings.
- In music videos and performances, dancers may use crumpling cloth to enhance movement and expressiveness.
- Crumpling paper is often featured in stop-motion animations, making objects come alive through exaggerated physical actions.
Origin of 'crumpling'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'crompellan', which means 'to crumple or curl'.
- It is related to similar words in German and Dutch that also describe the action of making something wrinkled.
- The transformation of 'crumple' into 'crumpling' shows how English words evolve in form to describe ongoing actions.
The word 'crumple' derives from the Middle English term 'crumplen', which means to crumple or wrinkle. Its roots can be traced further back to the Old English 'crompel', related to the earlier Germanic languages. This etymology suggests a connection to the idea of bending or folding something. Over time, 'crumple' has evolved into its modern form, becoming a common term in both everyday language and specialized contexts like art and design. The transformation of the word reflects the physical nature of the action it describes, embodying the concept of something being squished or shaped by force.