Pinioned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pinioned
[ˈpɪnjən ]
Definition
to restrain movement
To pinion means to restrain someone or something by binding or immobilizing their limbs. It often implies preventing movement or escape, either physically or metaphorically.
Synonyms
disable, hamper, immobilize, restrain.
Examples of usage
- The bird was pinioned by its wings, unable to fly.
- He felt pinioned by the responsibilities of work and family.
- The authorities pinioned the suspect before taking him into custody.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Shakespeare's works, characters often find themselves in pinioned states as a means to highlight feelings of helplessness.
- The imagery of being pinioned is common in poetry, symbolizing loss of freedom or entrapment.
- Modern authors also use this term to convey emotional states, linking physical restriction with psychological barriers.
Psychology
- Feeling pinioned can be associated with anxiety or fear of one's circumstances, impacting mental health and well-being.
- In therapy, individuals might explore feelings of being pinioned to understand their fears and find ways to regain control.
- Metaphorical use of the term may reflect struggles with personal freedom or self-expression.
Pop Culture
- The concept of being pinioned often appears in action movies where characters find themselves trapped or immobilized, heightening tension.
- Notable songs and poems express themes of being pinioned, often depicting relationships that stifle personal growth.
- This concept resonates in graphic novels and visual storytelling, where artists illustrate characters in pinned or restricted poses.
Science
- In biology, 'pinion' is also a term for a type of wing feather in birds, connecting the word to concepts of mobility and flight.
- The anatomical study of birds often discusses how pinioned wings affect their ability to fly, impacting species survival.
- Research on animal behavior considers how physical restrictions can affect an organism's mental state and social interactions.
Origin of 'pinioned'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'pinioned' derives from the Old French 'pignon,' meaning the 'wing' of a bird, capturing the essence of restriction.
- It evolved to describe both the literal action of tying down wings and the metaphorical sense of being limited.
- The word has been used in literature since at least the 15th century to describe confinement or restriction.
The word 'pinion' originates from the Old French term 'pignon', which referred to a wing or feather, derived from the Latin 'pinna', meaning feather or fin. Historically, the term has been associated with the idea of binding or cutting the wings of a bird, thereby rendering it flightless. Over time, the usage of 'pinion' expanded into the figurative sense of restricting movement or freedom, which is prevalent in modern English. The concept of pinioning is often used in literature and discourse to illustrate situations where individuals or entities feel constrained or limited in their actions. Its usage reflects not only the physical aspect of binding limbs but also symbolizes emotional and psychological constraints.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #32,708 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
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- 32705 cinematographer
- 32706 swag
- 32707 sentimentalist
- 32708 pinioned
- 32709 helmeted
- 32710 tinkled
- 32711 marginalize
- ...