Hunkering: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
hunkering
[ หhสลkษrษชล ]
taking cover
Hunkering refers to the act of crouching down or squatting close to the ground for protection or shelter, often during adverse weather conditions or to evade danger. This word is frequently used in contexts where individuals seek safety or shield themselves from something threatening. Hunkering can also imply a sense of bracing oneself for an upcoming challenge or situation, thus cultivating a state of preparedness. The term conveys a physical and mental posture of engagement, often associated with survival instincts.
Synonyms
crouching, hiding, squatting, taking cover
Examples of usage
- We hunkered down during the storm.
- The soldiers hunkered behind the wall.
- He was hunkering in a corner, hoping to stay unnoticed.
Translations
Translations of the word "hunkering" in other languages:
๐ต๐น escondendo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคฟเคชเคพเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช verstecken
๐ฎ๐ฉ bersembunyi
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟัะธั ะพะฒัะฒะฐะฝะฝั
๐ต๐ฑ ukrywanie
๐ฏ๐ต ้ ใใ
๐ซ๐ท se cacher
๐ช๐ธ esconderse
๐น๐ท saklanmak
๐ฐ๐ท ์จ๋ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงุฎุชุจุงุก
๐จ๐ฟ skrรฝvรกnรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ ukrรฝvanie
๐จ๐ณ ้่
๐ธ๐ฎ skriti
๐ฎ๐ธ fali
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะถะฐัััั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ gizlษnmษk
๐ฒ๐ฝ esconderse
Etymology
The word 'hunker' originates from the Scots word 'hunkers,' which means 'the buttocks' and dates back to the 17th century. The term evolved over time, influenced by various regional dialects, particularly in the northern parts of England and Scotland, where the implications of sitting low or crouching were prevalent in the vernacular. By the 19th century, the term 'hunker down' was popularized, particularly in the context of taking shelter or bracing oneself against difficult circumstances. The phrase gained further prominence during significant historical events and disasters, illustrating humanity's instinct to seek safety and protection. Today, 'hunkering' retains this sense of enduring through hardship, whether it be environmental challenges or social upheavals.