Pricked: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'pricked' comes from the Old English term 'prician,' meaning to pierce or poke.
• It is related to words in other Germanic languages that also suggest a sharp action, like 'preck' in Middle Dutch.

Literature

• In literature, 'pricked' often symbolizes a moment of realization or awakening, similar to a sudden sting that brings one to attention.
• Famous poets like John Keats used 'pricked' in their works to convey deep emotional experiences, signifying pain or awareness.

Psychology

• According to psychological studies, feeling 'pricked' can evoke a strong emotional response that enhances memory retention, linking physical sensations to mental states.
• The act of pricking oneself can be a metaphor for self-awareness, where a person realizes uncomfortable truths about themselves.

Cultural References

• In various cultures, being 'pricked' by a thorn is often seen as an omen or a warning, reflecting the idea of pain leading to personal growth.
• Folklore often features pricked fingers, such as in the tale of Sleeping Beauty, representing a moment of crucial fate.
• In some traditions, people believe that 'pricking' on certain days will bring both good and bad luck.

Science

• From a scientific perspective, 'pricking' can refer to medical procedures, such as blood glucose testing in diabetes management.
• The concept of pricking is also studied in pain perception, where sharp stimuli are compared to dull aches in understanding how we experience pain.

With rank #19,352, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 19349 nonfiction
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• 19351 inspirational
• 19352 pricked
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