Fevered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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fevered
[ˈfiːvərd ]
Definition
medical condition
Fevered refers to a state characterized by an elevated body temperature, typically indicating illness or infection. It can also describe an excited, agitated, or intense emotional state. When someone is fevered, they may experience symptoms such as sweating, chills, and discomfort.
Synonyms
agitated, febrile, frenzied, heated.
Examples of usage
- He felt fevered after running a marathon.
- The fevered patient was in and out of consciousness.
- She had fevered dreams throughout the night.
- The discussion turned fevered as the debate heated up.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Fevered emotions often appear in poetry, depicting characters overwhelmed by passion or turmoil.
- Authors like Edgar Allan Poe used the term to evoke a sense of intensity in their narratives, often illustrating madness or obsession.
- In modern novels, 'fevered' describes characters in the grips of strong feelings or chaotic circumstances, enhancing dramatic tension.
Psychology
- Psychologically, being 'fevered' can suggest an overwhelming emotional state, akin to stress or anxiety.
- Researchers link feverish states to increased creativity, as heightened emotions can lead to innovative thoughts.
- The term also captures the phenomenon of 'fever dreams,' which are intense dreams experienced during high fevers, often vivid and surreal.
Health
- Fever is a natural response of the body, signaling an immune response to infections or illnesses.
- Certain infections like the flu or COVID-19 often lead to fevered states, indicating that the body is fighting off the invaders.
- Clinical definitions of fever vary, but a body temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) typically qualifies as febrile.
Pop Culture
- 'Fevered' often appears in song lyrics and titles, like the popular track 'Fever' by Peggy Lee, symbolizing intense love or longing.
- In movies, fevered scenes often depict characters in dramatic situations, amplifying emotional stakes in the storyline.
- Video games sometimes include fevered states to indicate heightened danger or intensity, enhancing the gaming experience.
Origin of 'fevered'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French word 'fevré,' meaning 'feverish,' which in turn derives from the Latin 'febris,' meaning 'fever.'
- The use of 'fevered' in English dates back to the late 14th century, often describing intense emotions or states of being.
- In literature, it has been used metaphorically to describe heightened states of mind, not just illness.
The word 'fevered' is derived from the noun 'fever', which comes from the Old English 'feofor', meaning 'fever' or 'heat'. This root is related to the Proto-Germanic term '*fevrō', which also signifies heat or burning. The use of 'fever' in English has been traced back to the 14th century, when it was commonly used to describe a state of heightened body temperature, usually due to illness. The adjective form 'fevered' developed later to indicate the condition or symptoms associated with having a fever. Over time, the term expanded to encompass not only physical states but also emotional ones, reflecting a sense of increased intensity or extreme agitation. The evolution of this word showcases how language adapts to convey both literal and metaphorical meanings, particularly in the context of health and human emotional experiences.