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Emaciate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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emaciate

[ɪˈmeɪʃiˌeɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

to waste away

To emaciate means to make someone or something unnaturally thin or weak, often due to severe malnutrition or illness. The term is frequently used in medical contexts to describe the physical state of an individual who has lost a significant amount of body mass. Emaciation can lead to various health issues and complications, and it is typically a sign of underlying health conditions. This condition can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds, but it is particularly concerning in children and the elderly.

Synonyms

gaunt, spare, thin, waste.

Examples of usage

  • The disease caused him to emaciate quickly.
  • She looked emaciated after months of illness.
  • The drought caused the livestock to emaciate.
  • He was emaciated from lack of proper nutrition.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Health

  • Being emaciated can result from various reasons, including serious illnesses, malnutrition, or eating disorders.
  • In medical terms, emaciation is often a sign of an underlying health issue that requires attention.

Literature

  • The theme of emaciation appears in novels reflecting on war and famine, portraying how conflict affects the human condition.
  • In classic literature, characters may be described as emaciated to symbolize their suffering or the hardships they endure.

Psychology

  • Emaciation can have psychological implications, often associated with body image issues and emotional struggles.
  • Individuals may develop an unhealthy relationship with food and body image, leading to severe conditions.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, being emaciated has historically been associated with poverty, while in others, it can reflect beauty standards.
  • The portrayal of emaciated figures in art has been used to critique societal norms and express human suffering.

Origin of 'emaciate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'emaciatus', which means 'to waste away'.
  • It is formed from 'e-' (out of) and 'macies' (thinness), combining to describe someone who becomes thin from lack of nourishment.

The word 'emaciate' comes from the Latin 'emaciatus,' the past participle of 'emaciare,' which means 'to make thin.' The root 'macies' in Latin refers to thinness or leanness. Emaciate entered the English language in the early 17th century and has since maintained a consistent usage primarily in medical and academic contexts. The word reflects concerns about health and well-being, particularly in relation to the effects of malnutrition and illness on the human body. Over the years, it has also been used figuratively to describe other forms of reduction or decrease, highlighting its versatility in both literal and metaphorical language.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,577, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.