Marooned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐๏ธ
marooned
[mษหruหnd ]
Definitions
feeling
left in a place from which it is difficult to leave
Synonyms
abandoned, isolated, stranded.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| marooned |
Specifically refers to being left alone in a place, usually an island, where there is little chance to escape. It has a sense of being stranded but often with more dramatic or dire circumstances.
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| stranded |
Implies being stuck in a place without the means to leave. It generally suggests difficulty but not necessarily danger.
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| isolated |
Describes someone or something that is separated from others. It's often used to talk about physical, social, or emotional separation.
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| abandoned |
Use when someone or something is left alone, often in a place perceived as unsafe or unwanted. This word usually carries a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- I felt marooned in the middle of the desert with no way to contact help.
- She was marooned on the deserted island after her boat sank.
desert island
leave (someone) trapped and isolated in an inaccessible place, especially an island
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| marooned |
When someone is left in a remote and isolated place, especially an island or a deserted area, typically with no means to escape.
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| strand |
When someone or something is left in a difficult or helpless situation, often because of a lack of resources such as money or transportation.
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| abandon |
When someone or something is left behind intentionally, often in a sudden or permanent way, and it can carry a negative connotation.
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| cast away |
When someone is thrown or driven out, particularly as an outcome of a shipwreck, leading to isolation; often used in dramatic or literary contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The captain marooned the mutinous sailor on a remote island.
- He was marooned by his so-called friends on the deserted island.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'marooned' comes from the late 17th century and is derived from 'Maroons,' which referred to runaway slaves in the Caribbean who escaped to live independently in remote areas.
- In the 18th century, it was common to abandon sailors on deserted islands as punishment, which is believed to have popularized the word in maritime contexts.
Literature
- The theme of being marooned is prevalent in novels like 'Robinson Crusoe,' where the protagonist survives alone on a deserted island, showcasing human resilience.
- Many adventure stories, including 'The Swiss Family Robinson,' explore the challenges faced by individuals stranded in isolated locations.
Pop Culture
- Movies like 'Cast Away,' featuring Tom Hanks, highlight modern interpretations of characters marooned on islands, exploring survival and loneliness.
- Video games such as 'Stranded Deep' allow players to experience being marooned, enhancing the thrill of survival and exploration in a virtual setting.
Psychology
- Being marooned can lead to feelings of isolation, which researchers say may impact mental health through stress and loneliness.
- Studies show that extreme isolation can cause shifts in perception and time, leading individuals to become more introspective.
Science
- In ecology, 'marooning' can refer to the isolation of species or populations, impacting biodiversity and survival rates in habitats.
- Some scientific studies look into how creatures adapt to isolation, providing insights into survival mechanisms in extreme environments.
Origin of 'marooned'
The word 'marooned' originates from the term 'maroon', which initially referred to fugitive slaves in the West Indies who formed communities in remote areas to escape slavery. Over time, 'marooned' came to describe the act of leaving someone stranded in a remote location. The term has since evolved to encompass the feeling of isolation and abandonment in challenging situations.
See also: maroon.