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Drown Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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drown

[draสŠn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

in water

To drown means to die from being underwater and unable to breathe. It is a form of suffocation. Drowning can happen in various bodies of water, such as pools, lakes, rivers, and oceans. It can occur accidentally, as a result of a water-related accident, or intentionally, as a form of suicide.

Synonyms

immerse, submerge, suffocate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drown

Usually related to a situation where someone dies because they cannot breathe underwater. It has a serious, often tragic connotation.

  • He almost drowned while swimming in the ocean
suffocate

Refers to causing someone to have difficulty breathing or to deprive them of air, often resulting in death. This can be due to various reasons, not just underwater scenarios.

  • The smoke from the fire could suffocate anyone inside
  • He felt like he was suffocating in the cramped space
submerge

Typically refers to something being placed completely underwater or being covered by a large amount of water temporarily.

  • He submerged the vegetables in water to clean them
  • The town was submerged after the heavy rains
immerse

Often used to describe completely covering something in a liquid, or fully engaging someone in an activity or experience.

  • She immersed herself in studying for the final exams
  • To cook the pasta, immerse it in boiling water

Examples of usage

  • He drowned in the river while trying to swim across.
  • The child almost drowned in the pool before being rescued by a lifeguard.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Safety

  • Drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional death globally, especially among children.
  • The majority of drowning incidents occur in home swimming pools and natural bodies of water.
  • Preventative measures, such as swimming lessons, life jackets, and supervision, can greatly reduce the risk of drowning.

Cultural Context

  • In literature and film, drowning often symbolizes despair or the feeling of being overwhelmed by life's challenges.
  • Various cultures have myths and stories where drowning is used as a metaphor for transformation or rebirth.

Psychology

  • Fear of drowning is a common anxiety shared by many, often rooted in early childhood experiences or stories.
  • Individuals may experience panic attacks related to water due to associative memories or experiences from their past.

Origin of 'drown'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'drown' comes from the Old English 'druncnian', which means to be overwhelmed by liquid.
  • Related words in other languages, like the German 'drinken', reflect a common root focused on consuming liquid.

The word 'drown' originated from the Old English word 'druncnian', which meant 'to be swallowed up by water'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form and usage in the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,981, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.