Harpooned: meaning, definitions and examples

The term 'harpooned' is derived from the word 'harpoon,' which itself traces its origins to the Middle French word 'harpon' (meaning 'to hook'). This, in turn, likely comes from the Old Norse word 'haerpa,' meaning 'to catch or seize.' The harpoon has been used for centuries for hunting large sea animals, particularly whales and large fish. Early designs of harpoons date back to prehistoric times, where they were crafted from stone, bone, or wood. The evolution of the harpoon has involved the use of metal and advanced materials, increasing its effectiveness and allowing for more efficient hunting practices. Today, while harpooning is less common due to conservation efforts and regulations against whaling, the word remains an important part of nautical terminology.

Ranking #37,596, 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.

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