Gorging: meaning, definitions and examples

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gorging

 

[หˆษกษ”หrdส’ษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

eating hastily

Gorging refers to the act of eating excessive amounts of food in a greedy or hurried manner. It can often imply a lack of control over one's eating habits, leading to discomfort or distress.

Synonyms

devouring, feasting, overindulging, stuffing.

Examples of usage

  • He was gorging on his favorite snacks during the movie.
  • After the long hike, we found ourselves gorging on the picnic food.
  • She couldn't resist gorging on dessert at the buffet.
  • They were gorging after the big game last night.
Context #2 | Verb

insatiable hunger

Gorging can also mean to consume something in large quantities due to an extreme hunger, often related to an emotional response or a specific condition.

Synonyms

bingeing, consuming, engorging.

Examples of usage

  • He gorged himself after a stressful week at work.
  • In the winter, the animals can be seen gorging to prepare for hibernation.
  • During the holidays, many families find themselves gorging on festive meals.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French 'gorger', meaning 'to stuff or fill', which reflects the act of eating excessively.
  • Related words, like 'gorge', originally described a throat or a narrow passage; over time, it evolved to imply filling up.
  • In English literature, 'to gorge' has appeared since the 15th century, establishing its place in language as a description of overeating.

Health

  • Gorging can lead to physical discomfort, including bloating and nausea, as the stomach is not designed for excessive capacity.
  • People may gorge during celebrations or stressful times, which indicates the connection between emotions and eating habits.
  • Mindful eating practices have been encouraged to replace gorging, promoting healthier relations with food and awareness during meals.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict characters gorging during comedic scenes, emphasizing their gluttony for humor, such as in classic horror films on Halloween.
  • Reality shows featuring food challenges celebrate gorging, showcasing competitors eating large portions within a limited time.
  • Social media trends have arisen around 'food challenges', sometimes encouraging participants to gorge on large amounts of unusual foods.

Psychology

  • Gorging can be linked to emotional eating, where individuals consume food to cope with feelings like sadness or stress.
  • Studies suggest that restriction from certain foods can unintentionally lead to episodes of gorging, as it creates a 'forbidden fruit' effect.
  • Feeling deprived can trigger cravings, making gorging more likely when faced with the opportunity to indulge.

Historical Context

  • Historically, during times of scarcity, people would gorge themselves when food was available, a survival mechanism from ancient times.
  • Feasting was a common practice among medieval nobility, where gorging was seen as a display of wealth and prosperity.
  • In some cultures, gorging during celebrations like harvest festivals symbolizes abundance and gratitude towards bountiful crops.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,580 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.