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Disinter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disinter

[ˌdɪs.ɪnˈtɜːr ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal

To dig up something that has been buried, especially a dead body.

Synonyms

dig up, exhume, unearth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disinter

Formal and often used in legal or forensic contexts, when referring to the act of digging up a body or remains from a grave. It can also mean bringing a topic or memory back into discussion.

  • The investigators decided to disinter the body to uncover new evidence.
  • The historian disinterred old documents that shed new light on the subject.
exhume

Formal and often used in forensic, archaeological, or historical contexts when referring to the act of removing a body from the ground for examination or reburial.

  • The authorities exhumed the remains to conduct further forensic analysis.
  • During the archaeological dig, the team exhumed several ancient artifacts.
unearth

Less formal than 'disinter' or 'exhume', suitable for referring to discovering something that was buried or hidden, usually in the ground but can also mean uncovering hidden information.

  • The construction workers unearthed an old coin while digging the foundation.
  • The journalist managed to unearth some shocking information about the politician.
dig up

Informal and commonly used in everyday language when referring to finding or uncovering something hidden, such as information, an object, or even dirt.

  • Can you dig up some old photos for the family reunion?
  • The gardeners had to dig up the old tree roots to plant new ones.

Examples of usage

  • The archaeologists disinterred the ancient remains for further study.
  • The police had to disinter the body to conduct a forensic examination.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • The act of disinterring is often depicted in literature and film, particularly in stories related to archaeology and the retrieval of historical artifacts.
  • In different cultures, disinterment can be a ritual, conducted to relocate remains for various reasons, such as family disputes or land development.

Science

  • Archaeologists disinter artifacts to learn about past civilizations, providing insights into daily life, culture, and technology.
  • The disinterment process can involve various scientific techniques, including ground-penetrating radar, to locate buried items.

Psychology

  • The term can also metaphorically reflect the act of bringing up repressed memories, similar to digging up buried feelings or issues.
  • In therapy, discussing past experiences can be seen as a form of disinterring, allowing individuals to confront and understand their history.

Pop Culture

  • The process of disinterring has been portrayed in popular films like 'The Mummy' series, symbolizing adventure and discovery.
  • Songs and literature often use the concept to explore themes of mortality, loss, and memory.

Origin of 'disinter'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'disinterrare', where 'dis-' means 'opposite of' and 'interrare' means 'to bury'.
  • In English, it has been used since the late 17th century to describe excavating something that was buried.

The word 'disinter' originated from the Latin word 'disinterre', which is a combination of 'dis-' (meaning 'apart') and 'interre' (meaning 'to bury'). The term has been used since the 17th century in English to refer to the act of uncovering something buried, particularly in a legal or archaeological context.

See also: disinterring, inter, interact, interim, interject, interlude, interment, interval.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,942, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.