Morbidly: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'morbidus,' meaning 'sickly' or 'diseased.'
• It entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially used in medical contexts.
• The root 'morb-' relates to death, such as in terms like 'mortuary.'

Psychology

• An unhealthy fascination with death or suffering can indicate deeper emotional or psychological issues.
• The concept of morbid curiosity explains why some people are drawn to horrific or distressing media.
• Studies suggest that interest in morbid topics can be a coping mechanism to deal with fears around mortality.

Pop Culture

• Goth subculture embraces morbid themes, celebrating sadness and darkness through fashion and music.
• Movies like 'The Addams Family' humorously explore morbid topics, making them entertaining rather than frightening.
• Popular songs often touch on morbid themes, reflecting societal concerns with death and loss through artistic expression.

Literature

• Gothic literature often employs morbid themes, creating settings filled with decay and despair to evoke a strong emotional response.
• Authors like Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft used morbid imagery to explore fear and madness.
• Modern horror fiction frequently revisits morbid subjects, illustrating humanity's fascination with death and the unknown.

Health

• The term 'morbid obesity' is used in medical contexts to describe severe obesity, which increases health risks.
• Healthcare professionals sometimes use 'morbid' to discuss illnesses that can lead to death if untreated.
• Understanding morbid conditions can help in the development of better treatments and preventive measures in medicine.

At rank #29,019, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 29016 perimeters
• 29017 bindery
• 29018 pawned
• 29019 morbidly
• 29020 congenitally
• 29021 motored
• 29022 degassing
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