Gash: meaning, definitions and examples

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gash

[ɡæʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

injury

A deep, long cut or wound, especially in the skin.

Synonyms

cut, incision, slash.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gash	A deep, often long wound or cut in the flesh. It implies a violent action, often associated with severe injuries or accidents. He had a deep gash on his leg after the fall The knife left a nasty gash on the table
cut	A general term for any break or slice in the surface, ranging from small to large. Used in everyday scenarios and not necessarily severe. I got a small cut on my finger while chopping vegetables The paper gave him a slight cut on his hand
slash	A sweeping or forceful cut, often suggesting aggression or intent to damage. It has a more violent connotation and can imply anger or malice. She slashed the tires of his car in a fit of rage The bushes had long slashes from the machete
incision	A precise and deliberate cut, generally used in medical or scientific contexts, especially surgeries. The surgeon made an incision to remove the tumor After the incision, the doctors carefully stitched the wound

Examples of usage

He suffered a gash on his arm during the accident.
The knife left a gash on the table.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

injure

To make a long, deep cut or wound in something.

Synonyms

cut, incise, slash.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gash	Used to describe a deep and long wound, typically caused by a sharp object. It often conveys a sense of a severe and noticeable injury. He had a deep gash on his leg after the accident. The rock left a gash on her arm.
cut	A general term for any type of break or opening in the skin caused by something sharp. It can be minor or severe and is commonly used in everyday situations. She got a cut on her finger while chopping vegetables. The paper gave me a small cut.
slash	Imparts a violent or aggressive action, typically resulting in a long, deep, and swift cut. It can have a negative connotation and is often associated with intentional harm. The vandal slashed the car tires. He tried to defend himself when the attacker slashed at him.
incise	Often used in medical, scientific, or technical contexts to describe a precise and clean cut, usually done intentionally, such as during surgery. The surgeon incised the tissue to remove the tumor. The artist incised the design onto the metal plate.

Examples of usage

The sharp rock gashed his leg as he fell.
She accidentally gashed her hand on the broken glass.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Originating from the Old English 'gasce,' this word has evolved over time to describe various types of cuts.
The word is believed to be related to the Scots word 'gash,' which means a cut or gash in flesh.
In its early usage, 'gash' primarily described wounds received in battle, reflecting the violent contexts of its origin.

Literature

In literature, gashes are often used metaphorically, representing emotional scars or trauma.
Famous works have depicted characters with gashes to symbolize their struggles and resilience in the face of adversity.
Authors like Ernest Hemingway have utilized gashes in their narratives to convey realism in war depiction.

Medicine

In medical terms, a gash can indicate a more serious injury requiring stitches or surgical intervention.
Deep gashes can become infected if not properly cleaned and treated, emphasizing the importance of first aid.
The healing process for gashes can vary widely depending on their depth, location, and how well they are cared for.

Pop Culture

Gashes are commonly depicted in horror films to amplify the fear factor, often representing danger or violence.
Comics frequently showcase exaggerated gashes on characters to highlight their battle scars or injuries.
Popular video games often feature gashes as part of their graphic representations of combat and injury.

Psychology

The act of gashing can be tied to expressions of aggression in humans, reflecting complex emotional states.
A gash, either physical or emotional, can symbolize a transformative experience, marking a turning point in a person’s life.
Studies show that people may react strongly to visual depictions of gashes, as they tap into primal fears of injury and vulnerability.

Translations

Translations of the word "gash" in other languages:

🇵🇹 corte

🇮🇳 कट

🇩🇪 Schnitt

🇮🇩 luka

🇺🇦 поріз

🇵🇱 cięcie

🇯🇵 切り傷 (きりきず)

🇫🇷 coupure

🇪🇸 corte

🇹🇷 kesik

🇰🇷 상처 (sangcheo)

🇸🇦 جرح

🇨🇿 řez

🇸🇰 rez

🇨🇳 割伤 (gē shāng)

🇸🇮 rez

🇮🇸 skurður

🇰🇿 кесік

🇬🇪 ჭრილობა

🇦🇿 kəsik

🇲🇽 corte

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,497, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
23494 loch
23495 avionics
23496 nauseous
23497 gash
23498 escalator
23499 nihilism
23500 seared
...