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Hurting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hurting

[ˈhɜrtɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

physical pain

Causing physical pain or injury to someone or something.

Synonyms

damaging, injuring, wounding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hurting

Used to describe physical or emotional pain that is less severe. It can be used in everyday conversations.

  • My head is hurting after I bumped it
  • She is hurting because of the breakup
injuring

Used to describe physical harm, especially in accidents or incidents where there is noticeable damage to the body.

  • He injured his leg while playing soccer
  • Be careful with that knife, you might injure yourself
damaging

Used to describe situations where something is being harmed or impaired, often in a broader context such as property, reputation, or relationships.

  • The storm was damaging to the houses in the neighborhood
  • His careless remarks were damaging to his reputation
wounding

Used to describe serious physical harm, often involving cuts or broken skin. It can also describe deep emotional pain.

  • The soldier was wounded in the line of duty
  • Her words wounded him deeply

Examples of usage

  • He was hurting after the accident.
  • The knife wound is hurting a lot.
Context #2 | Verb

emotional pain

Causing emotional pain or distress.

Synonyms

distressing, upsetting, wounding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hurting

Used when someone is experiencing physical or emotional pain. It is often used in casual conversation to express discomfort or sadness.

  • My stomach is hurting after that meal.
  • She's hurting after the breakup.
upsetting

Used when something causes mild to moderate emotional discomfort or sadness. It is commonly used in everyday speech.

  • It was upsetting to hear that he didn't get the job.
  • Her comment was very upsetting.
distressing

Used when a situation or experience causes extreme worry, anxiety, or sadness. It’s more formal and conveys a higher level of emotional strain.

  • The news about the natural disaster was deeply distressing.
  • Watching the documentary on poverty was distressing.
wounding

Typically used to describe physical injuries, but can also be used metaphorically for deep emotional hurt. Often carries a more serious connotation.

  • The soldier was wounding in battle.
  • His cruel words were wounding to her.

Examples of usage

  • His harsh words are hurting her feelings.
  • The breakup is hurting him deeply.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Experiencing pain can trigger emotional responses, leading to feelings of sadness, anger, or anxiety.
  • The brain processes physical and emotional pain in similar ways, showing how they can affect each other.
  • Coping strategies, like talking to friends or practicing mindfulness, can help lessen feelings of hurt.

Health

  • Physical hurting can result from injuries, illnesses, or chronic conditions, affecting daily activities.
  • Studies have shown that pain can be influenced by mental state; those feeling happier generally report less pain.
  • Pain management techniques, such as physical therapy or medication, aim to reduce physical hurting.

Literature

  • Many authors explore themes of emotional hurt in their works, reflecting on the struggles of the human experience.
  • In poetry, hurt is often portrayed through metaphors, representing deeper emotional conflicts.
  • Classic literature frequently features characters who confront physical or emotional pain, leading to growth and change.

Pop Culture

  • 'Hurt' is a common theme in music, with artists expressing their feelings of pain and heartbreak in powerful lyrics.
  • Movies often depict characters overcoming hurt, showcasing resilience and healing after loss or injury.
  • Television dramas frequently feature plotlines where emotional hurt leads to character development or transformation.

Sociology

  • In social settings, expressing hurt can foster empathy and connection between individuals.
  • Communities often have support systems for those experiencing emotional or physical pain, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences.
  • Cultural perceptions of hurt can vary, with some societies encouraging openness while others may promote stoicism.

Origin of 'hurting'

The word 'hurting' is derived from the Old English verb 'hyrtan', which means 'to injure, to harm'. Over time, the meaning of the word has evolved to encompass both physical and emotional pain. The concept of 'hurting' has been a fundamental part of human experience, reflecting the universal aspect of suffering and its impact on individuals. The word continues to be used widely in contemporary language to describe the experience of pain, whether physical or emotional.

See also: hurt, hurtful, hurtle, unhurt.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,475, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.