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Earsplitting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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earsplitting

[หˆi(ษ™)rหŒsplษชtษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

extremely loud

Earsplitting is an adjective used to describe a sound that is so loud it causes discomfort or pain in the ears. This type of sound can be overwhelming, often associated with noises such as explosions, loud music, or heavy machinery. The term emphasizes the intensity of the auditory experience, suggesting that the noise is not just loud but can also lead to a sensation of ringing or pressure in the ears. Earsplitting sounds can cause temporary or even permanent hearing damage if exposure is prolonged.

Synonyms

blaring, deafening, thundering.

Examples of usage

  • The earsplitting roar of the jet engine echoed through the hangar.
  • She covered her ears against the earsplitting noise of the fireworks.
  • The band's music became earsplitting during the climax of the performance.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Sounds above 120 decibels can be classified as earsplitting and can cause immediate harm to hearing.
  • The threshold of hearing is around 0 decibels, and loud sounds can travel faster through different mediums like water or metal.
  • Continuous exposure to loud sounds can lead to permanent hearing damage, known as noise-induced hearing loss.

Pop Culture

  • Heavy metal concerts are often described as earsplitting due to their extreme volume levels.
  • In movies, scenes featuring explosions are designed to create an earsplitting sound effect for dramatic impact.
  • Songs that feature high-volume choruses sometimes aim for an earsplitting effect to evoke strong emotional responses.

Psychology

  • Loud noises can trigger stress responses in the body, leading to discomfort and anxiety.
  • Exposure to earsplitting sounds may lead to cognitive overload, making it harder to concentrate or think clearly.
  • Certain individuals may have a lower tolerance for loud sounds, highlighting individual differences in sensory perception.

Health

  • Earplugs and noise-canceling headphones can help protect against earsplitting noise in loud environments.
  • Public health campaigns often aim to raise awareness about the dangers of exposure to earsplitting sounds in everyday life.
  • Some workplaces are required to monitor noise levels to protect workers from earsplitting conditions.

Origin of 'earsplitting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'ear' referring to the organ and 'splitting' meaning to tear apart.
  • Earsplitting has been used in English since at least the early 19th century to describe painfully loud sounds.
  • Similar terms in other languages can describe both noise and its effects on hearing.

The term 'earsplitting' is a compound word formed from 'ear' and 'split'. The word 'ear' has Old English origins, coming from 'ฤ“are', and refers to the organ of hearing. The word 'split' comes from Old English 'spliht', which means to break or divide. The combination of these two words in the context of 'earsplitting' is believed to have emerged in the late 19th to early 20th centuries as a way to describe particularly loud sounds that are startling or painful to human hearing. Earsplitting indicates not just a volume level but evokes a visceral reaction to the sound, highlighting the impact loud sounds have on our sensory experience.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,673, 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.