Earthed: meaning, definitions and examples

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earthed

 

[ ɪərθd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

electrical safety

To 'earth' something means to connect it to the ground for safety, preventing electrical shock or damage. In electrical systems, earthing provides a low-resistance path for fault currents to safely dissipate into the ground. This practice helps protect users and equipment from electrical malfunctions. It is a crucial aspect of electrical engineering and safety protocols.

Synonyms

connected, grounded, secured

Examples of usage

  • The electrician earthed the metal casing to prevent shocks.
  • Ensure that all appliances are properly earthed.
  • The system must be earthed to comply with safety regulations.
Context #2 | Verb

informal

In informal British English, 'earthed' can also refer to being confined to home as a punishment, particularly in the context of teenagers. This usage suggests a temporary restriction on one's freedom, usually as a discipline measure from parents. It highlights the feeling of being isolated or limited in activities.

Synonyms

confined, grounded, restricted

Examples of usage

  • After his poor grades, he was earthed for the weekend.
  • She felt earthed during the summer when her parents set strict rules.
  • Being earthed meant he missed out on going out with friends.

Translations

Translations of the word "earthed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aterrado

🇮🇳 भू-स्थिर

🇩🇪 geerdet

🇮🇩 terhubung ke tanah

🇺🇦 заземлений

🇵🇱 uziemiony

🇯🇵 接地した

🇫🇷 mis à la terre

🇪🇸 conectado a tierra

🇹🇷 toprağa bağlı

🇰🇷 접지된

🇸🇦 موصول بالأرض

🇨🇿 uzemněný

🇸🇰 uzemnený

🇨🇳 接地的

🇸🇮 ozemljen

🇮🇸 jörð

🇰🇿 жерге қосылған

🇬🇪 მიწაზე დაკავშირებული

🇦🇿 yerə bağlı

🇲🇽 conectado a tierra

Etymology

The term 'earth' in relation to electrical grounding originates from the Old English word 'eorþe', meaning 'ground' or 'soil'. This has evolved over centuries in both engineering and everyday language. The electrical usage began to gain traction in the 19th century with the advent of electrical systems, where safety measures were essential to protect against faults and shocks. The concept was further popularized with the work of early electrical engineers who understood the necessity of providing a safe path for electrical current. The dual usage of 'earthed' also reflects cultural practices, particularly in British vernacular where it denotes being kept at home as a form of punishment. This blend of technical and informal meanings showcases the versatility of the word in different contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,282, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.