Immuring Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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immuring
[ɪˈmjʊərɪŋ ]
Definition
physical confinement
To immure someone means to confine them within walls or to imprison them. It often implies a sense of entrapment and isolation, preventing them from escaping or interacting with the outside world.
Synonyms
confine, entomb, lock-up, trap.
Examples of usage
- The prisoner was immured in a dark cell.
- They decided to immure themselves in the library for a weekend of study.
- The ancient fortifications were designed to immure intruders during a siege.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Edgar Allan Poe's story 'The Cask of Amontillado', the act of immuring is a central theme, showcasing revenge.
- Classic literature often uses immuring to symbolize isolation, exploring the emotional turmoil of characters trapped in their own lives.
- Modern works may use the concept metaphorically, illustrating struggles with mental health and the feeling of being 'trapped' within oneself.
Psychology
- Immuring can connect to feelings of helplessness or entrapment in everyday life, reflecting individuals' struggles with social isolation.
- Psychological theories discuss the impact of isolation on mental wellbeing, where being immured can lead to anxiety and depression.
- Group dynamics sometimes explore immuring in the context of bullying or exclusion, showing how social walls can be built among individuals.
History
- During certain historical periods, immuring was practiced as a punishment, where offenders were locked away in dungeons.
- This term is often linked to the entrapment of prisoners of war throughout history, reflecting the harsh realities of confinement.
- In ancient times, immuring also described the practice of sealing tombs to prevent grave robbing, emphasizing the sacredness of the dead.
Pop Culture
- Immuring appears in horror movies and novels where characters find themselves trapped in claustrophobic settings, heightening suspense.
- The concept of being immured is often transformed in dramas, where characters must confront their inner demons in a confined space.
- In video games, immuring can symbolize the challenge of escaping dangerous environments, representing both physical and psychological battles.
Origin of 'immuring'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'murus', meaning 'wall', suggesting the act of sealing someone within walls.
- It evolved in English during the 15th century, originally describing the act of entombing or burying someone alive.
- Associated with concepts of confinement, the term has been used in legal and poetic contexts throughout history.
The word 'immuring' comes from the Latin 'murus,' meaning 'wall.' 'Immure' is derived from the prefix 'im-' which implies 'in' or 'within,' combined with 'murus.' It has evolved through Old French before entering the English language. Historically, the act of immuring has been associated with the practice of imprisoning individuals within buildings or walls, and it dates back to times when confinement was used as a form of punishment or control. The term has been used in various literary works to describe the captivity of individuals, often highlighting the desolation and hopelessness of being trapped.