Orphaned: meaning, definitions and examples

Historical Origins

• The word 'orphan' dates back to the Middle Ages and comes from the Greek word 'orphanos', meaning bereaved or orphaned.
• Historically, orphanages were established to care for children without parents, with the first known orphanage established in Germany in the 13th century.

Literature

• Famous stories, like 'Oliver Twist' by Charles Dickens, depict the struggles of orphaned children seeking love and belonging.
• Children's literature often features young heroes who are orphans, such as Harry Potter and Anne of Green Gables, reflecting resilience through adversity.

Psychology

• Studies show that orphaned children may face emotional challenges and often require additional support to help them cope with loss.
• Attachment theory suggests that children who lose their parents may have difficulty forming bonds, impacting their future relationships.

Pop Culture

• The theme of childhood loss is prevalent in films, such as 'The Jungle Book' and 'The Lion King', where orphaned characters search for identity and family.
• Reality TV series and documentaries often highlight the lives of orphaned children, raising awareness about their needs and challenges.

Sociology

• Globally, millions of children are orphaned due to war, disease, or poverty, prompting efforts by various organizations to provide care and support.
• Cultural perceptions of orphans vary, with some societies embracing them as community members, while others stigmatize their status.

Positioned at #22,175, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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• 22172 pornographic
• 22173 relapsed
• 22174 inadvisable
• 22175 orphaned
• 22176 renegade
• 22177 pickling
• 22178 prettily
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