Distempered: meaning, definitions and examples

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distempered

 

[ dɪsˈtɛmpərd ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

condition of health

Distempered refers to a state of being disordered or confused, particularly in relation to one's health or spirits. It can describe both physical and mental health issues, indicating a disturbance or ailment. Traditionally, distemper is associated with illnesses that affect both animals and humans, causing disruptions in normal functioning. The term is often used in a broader sense to denote emotional disturbances and disruptions in mental well-being.

Synonyms

chaotic, disordered, perturbed, unhealthy

Examples of usage

  • The dog was distempered and required immediate veterinary care.
  • His distempered thoughts led to erratic behavior.
  • After the distempered morning, she felt much better in the afternoon.
Context #2 | Noun

illness in animals

Distemper, as a noun, typically refers to a viral disease that primarily affects dogs and certain wildlife. It is highly contagious and can lead to severe respiratory and gastrointestinal issues. Distemper is characterized by symptoms such as fever, coughing, vomiting, and neurological problems. Vaccination is crucial to prevent the spread of this serious disease, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Synonyms

ailment, disease, infection

Examples of usage

  • The vet diagnosed the puppy with distemper.
  • Vaccination can protect your pet from distemper.
  • Many wild animals are at risk of catching distemper.

Translations

Translations of the word "distempered" in other languages:

🇵🇹 distorcido

🇮🇳 बिगड़ा हुआ

🇩🇪 gestört

🇮🇩 terganggu

🇺🇦 дистемперований

🇵🇱 zaburzony

🇯🇵 障害のある

🇫🇷 perturbé

🇪🇸 perturbado

🇹🇷 rahatsız

🇰🇷 교란된

🇸🇦 مضطرب

🇨🇿 vyrušený

🇸🇰 rozrušený

🇨🇳 扰乱的

🇸🇮 moten

🇮🇸 truflaður

🇰🇿 бұзылған

🇬🇪 შეწუხებული

🇦🇿 narahat

🇲🇽 perturbado

Etymology

The word 'distempered' originates from the Middle English term 'distemperen,' which means to disturb or displace. This term is derived from the Latin 'distemperare,' where 'dis-' suggests separation and 'temperare' indicates to mix or mingle. Initially, it was used to describe disturbances in the natural balance of bodily fluids according to medieval medical theories. As language evolved, 'distempered' became associated with both physical and mental health, denoting a state of disorder. Over time, the word shifted from its precise medical definitions to broader uses in describing any form of unrest, imbalance, or disorder, particularly in emotional contexts.