Itching: meaning, definitions and examples

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itching

 

[หˆษชtสƒษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

skin

An uncomfortable sensation on the skin that causes a desire to scratch. It is often caused by irritation, allergy, or insect bites.

Synonyms

irritation, pruritus, scratchiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
itching

General situation when the skin or a body part feels the need to be scratched. Commonly used in everyday conversation.

  • My arm is itching after the mosquito bite
  • He couldn't stop itching his head during the presentation
pruritus

A medical term used in professional or medical settings to describe an intense, chronic itch.

  • The patient was diagnosed with pruritus due to an allergic reaction
  • Pruritus is a common symptom of eczema
irritation

When there is a discomfort or mild inflammation, often due to an external factor like an allergen or friction. It can also be used metaphorically for emotional discomfort.

  • The new lotion caused skin irritation
  • Her constant complaints are a source of irritation for me
scratchiness

Used when describing a sensation that feels rough or abrasive, often used for internal discomfort like in the throat. Can also refer to physical surfaces.

  • After yelling all day, he had a scratchiness in his throat
  • The old record had a scratchiness that affected the sound quality

Examples of usage

  • She couldn't sleep because of the constant itching on her arm.
  • The itching sensation became unbearable after the mosquito bite.
Context #2 | Verb

skin

The act of experiencing an itchy sensation on the skin, leading to a desire to scratch. It is a natural response to irritation or allergy.

Synonyms

irritate, rub, scratch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
itching

Feeling of discomfort on the skin that makes you want to scratch.

  • My mosquito bite is itching so badly
  • I can't stop the itching on my arm
scratch

Moving your nails or a sharp object across a surface, often to relieve itching.

  • I had to scratch the mosquito bite because it was so itchy
  • The cat likes to scratch the furniture
rub

Applying friction to a surface, commonly with your hand. Can be for relief, cleaning, or feeling something.

  • He rubbed his eyes after waking up
  • You should rub aloe vera on the sunburn
irritate

Causing annoyance, anger, or discomfort, not only physical but also emotional. Often has a negative connotation.

  • His constant humming started to irritate me
  • Certain fabrics irritate my skin

Examples of usage

  • He was itching all over after coming into contact with poison ivy.
  • The mosquito bite caused her skin to itch intensely.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'itch' comes from the Old English 'icce,' reflecting how humans have described this sensation for centuries.
  • In different languages, the word for itching often shares roots with terms that mean to scratch or rub.

Science

  • Itching is a complex response where the brain signals discomfort, often triggered by irritants, allergies, or even emotions.
  • Certain skin conditions, like eczema or psoriasis, can dramatically increase the sensation of itching due to inflammation.
  • Researchers study how various brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, influence the feeling of itchiness, linking it to pain sensation.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, scratching an itch is considered a sign of bad manners, while in others, it's a normal response without stigma.
  • Folk remedies for itching vary globally, with some cultures using herbal lotions or specific plants believed to soothe the skin.

Psychology

  • Studies have shown that it's not just physical irritants that cause itching; emotional states like anxiety can worsen the sensation.
  • People who are anxious may find themselves more likely to scratch, creating a cycle where stress leads to itching and vice versa.

Literature

  • In poems and stories, the sensation of itching often symbolizes restlessness or deep desires that canโ€™t be easily fulfilled.
  • Notable writers have used itching to evoke feelings of discomfort in their characters, exploring the intersection of physical and emotional pain.

Translations

Translations of the word "itching" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น coceira

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค–เฅเคœเคฒเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Juckreiz

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ gatal

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะฒะตั€ะฑั–ะถ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ swฤ™dzenie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‹ใ‚†ใฟ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท dรฉmangeaison

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ picazรณn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kaลŸฤฑntฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐ€๋ ค์›€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุญูƒุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ svฤ›dฤ›nรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ svrbenie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็˜™็—’

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ srbenje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ klรกรฐi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ั‹ัˆัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฅแƒแƒ•แƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qaลŸฤฑnma

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ picazรณn

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,313, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.