Harrowed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ข
harrowed
[หhรฆr.oสd ]
Definition
emotional state
Harrowed refers to a state of having been deeply distressed or tormented, often emotionally. It is commonly used to describe someone who is experiencing significant anxiety or has been affected by a traumatic event. The term conveys a sense of being worn down or troubled. People may use it to express feelings of mental anguish caused by external circumstances.
Synonyms
anguished, distressed, pained, tormented, troubled.
Examples of usage
- She felt harrowed after the news of her friendโs accident.
- His harrowed expression revealed the pain he was struggling with.
- After the harrowing experience, he needed time to recover.
- The film depicted the harrowed lives of war survivors.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feeling harrowed can be linked to anxiety or trauma, as these emotions can deeply impact a person's mental state.
- Research shows that prolonged distress can affect your physical health, leading to conditions like heart disease.
- People who experience heavy sadness often find it takes time and support to heal, both emotionally and mentally.
Literature
- In many novels, characters who face harrowing experiences often undergo significant personal growth by overcoming their struggles.
- Harrowing tales are often used in storytelling to evoke empathy and challenge the audience, making them reflect on humanity.
- Classic literature often explores the theme of despair, highlighting the emotional state of characters in harrowing situations.
Pop Culture
- Many movies feature harrowing plots involving intense conflict or trauma, often leaving the audience emotionally moved.
- Songs that evoke feelings of sorrow often use harrowed themes to reflect on love lost and lifeโs challenges.
- Reality TV often showcases harrowing personal stories as a means of engaging viewers on an emotional level.
Origin of 'harrowed'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'harwe,' which means to break up soil or disturb.
- In the 14th century, 'harrow' also referred to a tool used in farming, which brings a sense of disturbance or upheaval.
- Over time, the meaning shifted from physical disruption to emotional distress.
The word 'harrowed' originates from the Old English term 'harwen', which means to harrow or torment. It is derivative of the tool 'harrow', which is used in agriculture to break up soil, but in a figurative sense, it represents the act of breaking down, distressing, or tormenting a person emotionally or psychologically. The transition from the agricultural term to a description of emotional turmoil can be traced back through literature as people began using metaphorical language to describe their mental states. In this context, 'harrowed' has been used in English literature since the 14th century, often appearing in discussions of war, loss, and trauma, reflecting human experiences of pain and suffering.