Extrication Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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extrication

[หŒek-strษชหˆkeษชสƒษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

rescue process

Extrication refers to the act of freeing someone or something from a constraint or difficult situation. In emergency services, it often involves removing a person from a vehicle after an accident or other situations that require specialized techniques. The term can also be used more broadly to describe the process of disentangling or liberating an entity, whether it be a physical object or an abstract concept trapped in a complex scenario. The goal of extrication is typically to ensure safety and minimize further injury.

Synonyms

liberation, release, rescue.

Examples of usage

  • The firefighters executed a precise extrication of the trapped driver from the wrecked car.
  • Extrication from the collapsed building required advanced rescue equipment.
  • The swift extrication of the hikers from the forest was vital to their safety.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Emergency Services

  • In emergency services, extrication often refers to safely removing a person from a crashed vehicle.
  • Special tools like the 'Jaws of Life' are used by firefighters to accomplish this task quickly.

Legal Context

  • Extrication may also refer to the legal process of freeing someone from a contract or obligation, especially if itโ€™s unfair.
  • In legal terms, it can involve complex negotiations to withdraw from agreements.

Psychology

  • In therapy, extrication can relate to helping individuals break free from toxic relationships or negative thought patterns.
  • The process often includes identifying triggers and developing healthier coping mechanisms.

Literature

  • Many stories involve protagonists who must extricate themselves from dire situations, symbolizing personal growth and resilience.
  • Famous literary works often depict characters entangled in their own choices, needing to find a way out.

Origin of 'extrication'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'extricatio', meaning 'to disentangle' or 'to free'.
  • The prefix 'ex-' means 'out of' while 'tricae' in Latin refers to 'intricate or complicated situations'.

The term 'extrication' originates from the Latin word 'extricatio', which means 'to disentangle' or 'to free'. This Latin root is derived from the verb 'extricare', which combines 'ex-' (meaning 'out of') and 'tricae' (meaning 'entanglements' or 'tricks'). The word started being utilized in English around the early 19th century as it began to be associated with various rescue operations and relief efforts. Over the years, 'extrication' has been adopted into the vocabulary of emergency services to describe not merely the physical act of removal but also to encompass the methods and expertise required for successful interventions in dire situations. The importance of extrication has grown with advances in technology and increased awareness of safety protocols.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,888 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.