Haemorrhage: meaning, definitions and examples

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haemorrhage

[ˈhɛmərɪdʒ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

medical condition

A haemorrhage is a serious medical condition in which a person bleeds heavily from a wound or internal injury.

Synonyms

bleeding, blood loss, hemorrhage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
haemorrhage	Used in British English, often in medical contexts to describe significant internal bleeding, especially within organs or tissues. The patient suffered a brain haemorrhage after the accident The surgeon managed to stop the haemorrhage in time
bleeding	Commonly used in everyday language to describe any loss of blood, usually minor or external. He was bleeding from a cut on his finger Apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding
hemorrhage	Used in American English, in medical situations similar to 'haemorrhage,' to describe severe internal or external bleeding. She was rushed to the ER with a hemorrhage Internal hemorrhage can be life-threatening if not treated promptly
blood loss	Used in both everyday and medical contexts. Generally refers to the total amount of blood that has been lost, which can be external or internal. The car accident resulted in significant blood loss The doctors worked quickly to replace the blood loss

Examples of usage

The patient was rushed to the emergency room due to a severe haemorrhage.
The doctor managed to stop the haemorrhage after performing emergency surgery.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to bleed heavily

To haemorrhage means to bleed heavily, either externally or internally, often as a result of injury or a medical condition.

Synonyms

bleed profusely, excessive bleeding, hemorrhage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
haemorrhage	Used in a medical or clinical context, often to describe severe or uncontrolled bleeding, either internally or externally. This term is more commonly used in British English. The patient was rushed to the emergency room due to a massive haemorrhage. Haemorrhage control is crucial in trauma management.
bleed profusely	Used to describe a situation where someone is losing a large amount of blood, often in an urgent or emergency setting. It is more colloquial and less technical than 'haemorrhage'. After the accident, he started to bleed profusely from his leg. Applying pressure to the wound is important to stop someone from bleeding profusely.
hemorrhage	Similar to 'haemorrhage', it is used in a medical or clinical context to describe severe or uncontrolled bleeding. This term is more commonly used in American English. The doctor diagnosed the patient with an internal hemorrhage. Control of hemorrhage is critical in emergency medical care.
excessive bleeding	This phrase is often used in both medical and general contexts to describe an abnormal or dangerous amount of blood loss. It can be used interchangeably with 'haemorrhage' but is more common in everyday language. The surgeon encountered excessive bleeding during the operation. If you notice excessive bleeding from the cut, seek medical attention immediately.

Examples of usage

The wound continued to haemorrhage despite the efforts to stop the bleeding.
The patient started to haemorrhage internally after the car accident.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'haima' meaning blood and 'rrhagia' meaning to break or flow.
It was first used in the English language in the late 14th century, showing how long we’ve recognized serious blood loss.

Medical Science

There are two main types: external, which is visible on the surface, and internal, which occurs inside the body and can be harder to detect.
Rapid blood loss from a haemorrhage can lead to shock, a life-threatening condition where organs don't get enough oxygen.
Common causes include trauma, surgery, and certain medical conditions like ulcers or aneurysms.

Cultural References

In movies and TV shows, dramatic scenes often use hemorrhages to depict life-threatening situations, heightening suspense.
Artwork from the Renaissance period sometimes depicts battles where characters are shown suffering severe injuries with visible blood loss.

Prevention and Awareness

First aid knowledge, such as applying pressure to a wound, is crucial for managing severe bleeding in emergencies.
Awareness campaigns often focus on road safety and the importance of seatbelts to prevent traumatic injuries that could lead to hemorrhages.

Psychology

Experiencing severe injuries and related situations may evoke strong emotional reactions, including anxiety and fear of blood.
Research shows that people can develop a phobia called hemophobia, where they have an intense fear of blood, due to traumatic experiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "haemorrhage" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hemorragia

🇮🇳 रक्तस्राव

🇩🇪 Blutung

🇮🇩 perdarahan

🇺🇦 кровотеча

🇵🇱 krwotok

🇯🇵 出血 (しゅっけつ)

🇫🇷 hémorragie

🇪🇸 hemorragia

🇹🇷 kanama

🇰🇷 출혈 (chulhyeol)

🇸🇦 نزيف

🇨🇿 krvácení

🇸🇰 krvácanie

🇨🇳 出血 (chūxuè)

🇸🇮 krvavitev

🇮🇸 blæðing

🇰🇿 қан кету

🇬🇪 სისხლდენა

🇦🇿 qanaxma

🇲🇽 hemorragia

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,062, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
15059 glassy
15060 phenyl
15061 coolness
15062 haemorrhage
15063 soak
15064 suing
15065 admirer
...