Hidebound: meaning, definitions and examples
🚶♂️
hidebound
[ ˈhaɪdˌbaʊnd ]
narrow-minded
Hidebound refers to a person who is stubbornly conservative and resistant to change. Such individuals often adhere strictly to traditional ways and have difficulty accepting new ideas or perspectives. This term is often associated with a rigidity in thinking that can hinder progress or adaptation. As such, hidebound thinkers may be perceived as old-fashioned or out of touch with modern realities.
Synonyms
conservative, inflexible, narrow-minded, obstinate.
Examples of usage
- Her hidebound views made it difficult to discuss progressive policies.
- The organization's hidebound bureaucracy stifled innovation.
- He remained hidebound in his beliefs, despite evidence to the contrary.
Translations
Translations of the word "hidebound" in other languages:
🇵🇹 teimoso
🇮🇳 संकीर्ण
🇩🇪 starrsinnig
🇮🇩 kaku
🇺🇦 обмежений
🇵🇱 wąski
🇯🇵 頑固な
🇫🇷 borné
🇪🇸 cerrado
🇹🇷 katı
🇰🇷 완고한
🇸🇦 متحجر
🇨🇿 úzkoprsý
🇸🇰 úzkoprsý
🇨🇳 顽固的
🇸🇮 ozkogleden
🇮🇸 þröngsýnn
🇰🇿 тар
🇬🇪 კონსერვატიული
🇦🇿 dar düşüncəli
🇲🇽 estrecho
Etymology
The word 'hidebound' dates back to the 18th century and is derived from the term 'hidebound,' which originally referred to cattle that were so emaciated that their hide was stuck tightly to their bones. The metaphorical use of the term shifted to describe people who are similarly restricted in their intellect or beliefs. The 'hide' in 'hidebound' comes from Old English 'hidan,' meaning to cover or hide, while 'bound' relates to being bound or tied. Therefore, 'hidebound' captures the essence of being bound by outdated traditions or ideas, illustrating how such constraints can inhibit one’s ability to embrace change or growth. Over time, it has evolved into a broader descriptor for anyone whose thinking is constrained by convention or prejudice.