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Floored Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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floored

[flษ”หrd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to overwhelm

Floored is a verb that means to be so surprised or shocked that one is unable to respond. It can also refer to being physically knocked down or rendered speechless. In informal contexts, it may imply an emotional state of being overwhelmed by news or a revelation. This usage is common in both casual and dramatic situations.

Synonyms

astonished, overwhelmed, stunned, surprised.

Examples of usage

  • I was floored by the unexpected news.
  • She floored him with her incredible performance.
  • They floored me when they announced their plans.
  • He was floored after he heard the final score.
Context #2 | Verb

to knock down

In a more literal sense, floored can mean to knock someone down, especially in a physical confrontation or struggle. This usage denotes a decisive action that results in a person being put flat on the ground. It is often used in sports or physical activities where one competitor defeats another.

Synonyms

defeated, dropped, knocked down, taken down.

Examples of usage

  • The boxer floored his opponent in the first round.
  • He floored the rival during the match.
  • The tackle floored the player, ending the play.
  • She floored him with a swift move.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'you floored me' is popular in movies and TV to convey a characterโ€™s shock, like in dramatic reveals.
  • In social media, people often say they are 'floored' by amazing performances, news, or art, showing a strong emotional response.
  • Certain music genres, like hip-hop, use the phrase to emphasize surprise in lyrics, showcasing its impact in contemporary culture.

Psychology

  • Being floored often triggers a fight-or-flight response, indicating a mix of surprise and stress when faced with unexpected situations.
  • Research shows that surprise can affect memory retention; we are likely to remember moments that 'floored' us for a long time.
  • Feelings of being floored can lead to positive outcomes, like motivation to change or adapt, after processing the shock.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often experience being floored when they encounter unexpected twists, creating dramatic tension.
  • Classic novels utilize the theme of surprise effectively, where characters uncover secrets that floor them, advancing the plot.
  • Modern authors explore emotional depth by showing how characters react when floored, leading to growth and transformation.

Everyday Usage

  • People commonly say they're floored by a compliment or a surprising act of kindness, showing vulnerability in social settings.
  • In sports, fans might say a player floored them with an incredible play, emphasizing excitement and intensity.
  • The term is often used in everyday conversations to express astonishment, making it relatable and widely understood.

Origin of 'floored'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'floored' comes from the word 'floor', which originally meant the bottom surface of a room or building.
  • In the context of surprise, it evolved to represent being metaphorically 'brought to the floor' by shocking news.
  • The expression has been used in English since at least the 19th century, illustrating a long history of its metaphorical use.

The term 'floored' originates from the verb 'floor,' which can be traced back to Middle English 'flore,' derived from Old French 'flor' meaning 'floor' or 'ground.' The evolution of the word reflects its dual nature, referring both to the physical surface of a room and to the act of knocking someone down. Over time, 'floor' in colloquial contexts took on a metaphorical meaning where astonishing or overwhelming reactions could render a person immobile, much like being physically knocked to the ground. This figurative usage became popular in the late 20th century, especially in informal conversations and literature, often associated with surprise or shock.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,677, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.