Gibbering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gibbering

[หˆษกษชbษ™rษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

speech behavior

Gibbering refers to speaking rapidly and incomprehensibly, often in a way that suggests confusion or madness. It is commonly associated with a state of fear, excitement, or delirium, where the speaker cannot form coherent words or thoughts. This kind of speech might occur in high-stress situations or when someone is overwhelmed by emotions. The term can also describe nonsensical or meaningless chatter.

Synonyms

babbling, jabbering, mumbling.

Examples of usage

  • The frightened child was gibbering in the corner.
  • He started gibbering after the shocking news.
  • The character in the horror film was gibbering with fear.

Translations

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Origin of 'gibbering'

The word 'gibbering' originates from the mid-15th century, derived from the verb 'gibber', which means to speak rapidly and unintelligibly. It is believed to be of imitative origin, suggesting the unclear or nonsensical nature of the sounds made when someone is speaking gibberish. The term has roots in the old English dialects and possibly relates to similar words in other languages that describe incoherent speech. Over time, 'gibbering' has come to be associated with the act of speaking in a frantic or irrational manner, often used in literature and the arts to depict characters in states of distress or mania.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,498, 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.