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Hemorrhage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hemorrhage

[ˈhɛmərɪdʒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

A hemorrhage is a serious condition in which a blood vessel breaks and blood escapes into surrounding tissues. It can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Synonyms

bleeding, blood loss, haemorrhage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hemorrhage

This term is commonly used in medical settings to describe heavy and uncontrolled bleeding. It can occur internally or externally and often necessitates immediate medical intervention. 'Hemorrhage' is the American English spelling.

  • The patient suffered a hemorrhage and was rushed to the operating room.
  • A brain hemorrhage can cause severe neurological damage.
bleeding

A general term that is used in both everyday and medical settings to describe the loss of blood. It can range from minor cuts to more serious injuries.

  • The bleeding from the small cut on his finger finally stopped.
  • She was bleeding profusely after the accident.
blood loss

This phrase is often used in medical contexts to describe the reduction in blood volume due to injury or surgery. It focuses more on the quantity of blood lost rather than the process itself.

  • The doctors monitored his blood loss during surgery very carefully.
  • Significant blood loss can lead to shock and requires urgent treatment.
haemorrhage

This is the British English spelling of 'hemorrhage' and is used in the same context to describe severe and uncontrolled bleeding, often requiring immediate medical care.

  • She was diagnosed with a haemorrhage and needed emergency surgery.
  • Internal haemorrhage can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Examples of usage

  • The patient was rushed to the hospital after experiencing a severe hemorrhage.
  • The doctor quickly stopped the hemorrhage to prevent further complications.
Context #2 | Verb

to lose blood

To hemorrhage means to lose a large amount of blood rapidly, often due to a ruptured blood vessel or injury.

Synonyms

bleed, gush, shed blood.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hemorrhage

Formal or medical situations, often referring to severe and uncontrolled bleeding.

  • The patient began to hemorrhage after the surgery.
  • The company experienced a financial hemorrhage after the market crashed.
bleed

General use, can be used in both medical and casual contexts.

  • I cut my finger and it started to bleed.
  • The injured animal was bleeding heavily.
gush

Typically used to describe blood flowing out rapidly and in large quantities, can be dramatic.

  • Blood began to gush from the wound.
  • The pipe burst, causing water to gush everywhere.
shed blood

Often used metaphorically or in the context of violence and conflict, can have a negative connotation.

  • Many soldiers have shed blood to defend their country.
  • The protest was peaceful at first, but soon blood was shed.

Examples of usage

  • The soldier began to hemorrhage after being shot in the leg.
  • The accident victim continued to hemorrhage despite efforts to stop the bleeding.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Understanding

  • The body needs a specific amount of blood to function properly; losing too much can be life-threatening.
  • Hemorrhage can happen inside the body (internal) or outside of it (external), depending on the cause.
  • In some cases, surgery is required to stop severe bleeding and repair damaged blood vessels.

Historical Origins

  • The term 'hemorrhage' comes from the Greek word 'haima', meaning blood, and 'rhegma', meaning a breaking or bursting.
  • It has been used in medical texts since the 15th century to describe excessive blood loss.
  • Historically, improper treatment of hemorrhages often led to a high mortality rate due to a lack of understanding about blood loss.

Psychological Impact

  • Unexpected emergencies like hemorrhages can cause severe psychological stress for both victims and witnesses.
  • Seeing or experiencing a hemorrhage can lead to trauma and intense fear, sometimes resulting in phobias related to blood.
  • Bystanders who witness a hemorrhage may feel helpless or anxious, affecting their mental well-being.

Pop Culture

  • The term has often been used in thriller movies to heighten drama during life-and-death situations.
  • Songs and literature sometimes evoke the imagery of 'hemorrhage' to symbolize emotional pain or loss.
  • In medical dramas, hemorrhages are depicted as critical moments that test the skills of doctors and paramedics.

Scientific Study

  • Research continues into improved methods of controlling hemorrhage, particularly in traumatic injuries.
  • Innovations in medical technology, like clotting agents and sealants, aim to minimize blood loss during surgeries.
  • Studies highlight that quicker responses to hemorrhages can significantly improve survival rates in emergency situations.

Origin of 'hemorrhage'

The word 'hemorrhage' has its origins in the Greek word 'haimorrhagia', which is derived from 'haima' meaning blood and 'rhēgnynai' meaning to burst forth. The term has been used in medical contexts for centuries to describe the rapid loss of blood from a blood vessel.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,300 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.