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Immured Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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immured

[ɪˈmjʊərd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

being trapped

To immure means to confine someone or something within walls or to imprison them. This term is often used in a figurative sense to describe a state of being isolated or shut away from the outside world. The concept of being immured carries a connotation of being trapped in a limited or oppressive space, whether physically or metaphorically. Historically, it may refer to the practice of walling up a person in a tomb or dungeon as a form of punishment or sacrifice.

Synonyms

confine, enclose, entrap, immure.

Examples of usage

  • The political dissident was immured in a remote prison.
  • She felt immured by her responsibilities and lacked freedom.
  • The ancient texts spoke of heroes who were immured within the castle.
  • The children felt immured in the small classroom.
  • He immured his feelings, refusing to express his emotions.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Edgar Allan Poe’s stories, characters often find themselves 'immured' in psychological or physical prisons, enhancing themes of madness.
  • Franz Kafka's works explore existential confinement, with characters feeling 'immured' in societal expectations and bureaucracy.

Psychology

  • Being 'immured' can represent feelings of isolation, contributing to issues like anxiety and depression when one feels trapped in a situation.
  • In therapy, discussing feelings of being 'immured' can help individuals identify and confront their emotional barriers.

Architecture

  • The concept of 'immurement' is present in medieval architecture, where castles and fortresses were built to keep enemies outside and occupants 'immured' for safety.
  • In modern design, concepts can evoke feelings of confinement, intentionally or unintentionally 'immuring' people within a space.

History

  • Throughout history, many political prisoners were 'immured' in dungeons or secret cells as a means of control.
  • During the French Revolution, countless individuals found themselves 'immured' in uncertainty, reflecting the broader societal turmoil.

Origin of 'immured'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'immured' comes from the Latin 'murus' meaning 'wall', highlighting a sense of confinement.
  • The prefix 'im-' in Latin means 'in', suggesting being 'within' something, reinforcing the idea of being enclosed.

The word 'immured' originates from the Latin word 'murus', meaning 'wall'. The term evolved through the Old French 'emurer', which means 'to wall in'. In the late Middle Ages, its usage became more prominent in English literature, referring specifically to the act of sealing someone within the confines of a space. Often associated with imprisonment or punishment, the term evokes images of being trapped or confined behind solid barriers. Over time, 'immured' has come to represent not only physical confinement but also emotional or social isolation, making it a powerful term in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,194 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.