Quailed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Literature

• Writers like William Shakespeare used the term to depict characters who falter in the face of challenges, showcasing human vulnerability.
• In many classic stories, characters quailed at daunting challenges, representing the universal fear of the unknown.
• Poets often describe quailing as part of the human experience, emphasizing the struggle between bravery and fear.

Psychology

• Quailing often ties to the fight-or-flight response, a natural human reaction to perceived threats.
• Experiencing fear can trigger a physical response where people may feel weak or freeze, akin to the feeling of quailing.
• Understanding quailing helps in exploring anxiety disorders and how they affect a person's ability to face situations.

Pop Culture

• In various films and books, characters often quail at supernatural events, heightening tension and suspense.
• Quailing is a common reaction depicted in horror genre, where characters face terrifying scenarios.
• Comedians often play with the idea of quailing for comedic effect, showing exaggerated fear in unexpected situations.

History

• Historical accounts often mention leaders who quailed in front of powerful adversaries, reminding us that fear is a human experience, even for the mighty.
• Quailing has historically been used to describe soldiers who faced overwhelming odds, framing narratives of courage and retreat.
• The feeling of quailing has been documented in various folklore, describing how towns or groups reacted when faced with invaders or disasters.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'quail' comes from the Middle English 'quailen,' which means 'to lose heart' or 'to tremble.'
• In the 14th century, the term was often associated with losing courage in battle or tough situations.
• It's also related to the Old French word 'cualler,' meaning 'to fall away or flinch.'

The word 'quail' comes from the Old French word 'esquailer' or 'quailier', which means 'to recoil' or 'to shrink back'. This was derived from the Latin word 'qualis', which means 'of what kind'. The original sense of the word is associated with the action of retreating or becoming cowardly in the face of danger or fear. Over time, 'quail' evolved to prominently refer to not only the action of shrinking back but also the emotional response of fear. In English literature, the term has been used since the 15th century to describe both physical and emotional reactions to fear, illustrating its versatility in language and usage.

This word's position of #31,889 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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