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Entomb Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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entomb

[ɪnˈtuːm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a grave

To place or bury (someone) in a tomb or grave, especially with a ritual or ceremony. The act of entombing is often associated with respect and reverence for the deceased.

Synonyms

bury, inter, sepulcher.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
entomb

Used in more dramatic or poetic contexts, often implying a sense of solemnity or grandness.

  • The ancient king was entombed with his treasures
  • The legend says that the warrior was entombed beneath the mountain
bury

Commonly used in everyday language to describe the act of placing something in the ground, often for disposal or to hide it.

  • We need to bury the time capsule in the backyard
  • He buried the treasure under the old oak tree
inter

A more formal and dignified term, often used in legal or ceremonial contexts, typically pertaining to human remains.

  • The soldier was interred with full military honors
  • The family decided to inter their loved one in the local cemetery
sepulcher

An archaic or literary term that denotes a burial vault or tomb, often used to evoke a historical or ancient setting.

  • The crypt served as the sepulcher for the noble family
  • The explorers discovered an ancient sepulcher hidden in the jungle

Examples of usage

  • The ancient pharaohs were entombed with treasures for the afterlife.
  • She was entombed in the family crypt.
Context #2 | Verb

in a confined space

To enclose or confine someone or something in a small or restricted space. This can be used both literally and figuratively.

Synonyms

confine, encase, enclose.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
entomb

This word is often used in a solemn or respectful context, typically when burying someone or something in a formal or ceremonial manner, such as in a tomb or grave.

  • The ancient king was entombed with treasures and artifacts.
  • The miners who perished in the disaster were entombed deep underground.
enclose

This word is used when surrounding something or someone on all sides, often within a physical barrier or space. It can be used in both neutral and protective contexts.

  • The garden was enclosed by a high fence.
  • Please enclose the documents in the envelope.
confine

This word is used when restricting someone or something within certain limits or boundaries, often implying a sense of limitation or imprisonment. It can have a negative connotation.

  • The patient was confined to bed for several weeks.
  • The prisoners were confined to a small cell.
encase

This term is used when something is completely covered or surrounded by another substance or material. It is often used in a practical or protective context.

  • The artifact was encased in glass to protect it from damage.
  • The cake was encased in a layer of fondant.

Examples of usage

  • The miners were entombed in the collapsed tunnel.
  • He felt entombed in his own thoughts.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Practices

  • In ancient Egypt, entombment was part of a ritual involving mummification, which was believed to ensure a safe journey to the afterlife.
  • Roman citizens were often cremated, but distinguished members were entombed in elaborate mausoleums.
  • Many cultures have unique traditions surrounding entombment, reflecting beliefs about death and the afterlife, such as the practice of 'sky burials' in Tibetan culture.

Literature

  • Edgar Allan Poe’s poem 'The Raven' hints at entombment symbolically through themes of loss and mourning.
  • In Greek tragedies, characters often face symbolic entombment through their emotional and societal struggles, reflecting their despair.
  • Mary Shelley’s 'Frankenstein' points to literal and metaphorical entombment through the resurrection of the dead.

Modern Usage

  • In archaeology, the term is used to describe the burial practices of ancient civilizations, revealing insights into their cultures.
  • In a metaphorical sense, people might say they feel 'entombed' in their jobs or situations, expressing feelings of being trapped.
  • The act of entombing is not just physical; it can represent the way we keep memories and feelings locked away.

Psychology

  • The concept of entombment can reflect how individuals process grief, often feeling emotionally buried under the weight of loss.
  • The feeling of being 'entombed' can resonate in discussions of depression, where individuals may feel trapped in their circumstances.
  • Symbolically, entombment can represent the need to confront and release past traumas to heal.

Origin of 'entomb'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'entombrer', which translates to 'to place in a tomb'.
  • It is derived from Latin 'tumulus', meaning 'mound' or 'tomb', linking to the idea of burial sites.
  • The prefix 'en-' means 'to cause to be', which emphasizes the action of placing within.

The word 'entomb' originates from the Middle English word 'entoumben', which comes from the Old French 'entomber'. The prefix 'en-' means 'in' or 'into', while 'tomb' comes from Latin 'tumba' meaning 'a burial mound'. The concept of entombing has been a part of human history for centuries, with different cultures and civilizations having their own rituals and practices for burying the deceased.

See also: entombment, tomb.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,579, 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.