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Qualm: meaning, definitions and examples

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qualm

 

[ kwäm ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

feeling

A feeling of uneasiness or doubt, often about one's own actions or a moral issue.

Synonyms

hesitation, misgiving, scruple

Examples of usage

  • I had a qualm about lying to my friend.
  • She felt a qualm of guilt after cheating on the test.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

A sudden feeling of sickness or faintness.

Synonyms

dizziness, faintness, nausea

Examples of usage

  • She experienced a sudden qualm and had to sit down.
Context #3 | Verb

archaic

To feel or show doubt or hesitation.

Synonyms

doubt, hesitate, waver

Examples of usage

  • He qualmed at the idea of betraying his friend.

Translations

Translations of the word "qualm" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mal-estar

🇮🇳 शंका

🇩🇪 Bedenken

🇮🇩 keraguan

🇺🇦 занепокоєння

🇵🇱 niepokój

🇯🇵 不安

🇫🇷 scrupule

🇪🇸 escrúpulo

🇹🇷 kuşku

🇰🇷 불안

🇸🇦 قلق

🇨🇿 pochybnost

🇸🇰 pochybnosť

🇨🇳 疑虑

🇸🇮 dvom

🇮🇸 efasemdir

🇰🇿 күдік

🇬🇪 ეჭვი

🇦🇿 şübhə

🇲🇽 escrúpulo

Word origin

The word 'qualm' originated in Middle English from the Old English word 'cwealm', meaning 'death' or 'destruction'. Over time, its meaning evolved to represent feelings of uneasiness or sickness. The modern usage of 'qualm' reflects a sense of moral discomfort or physical discomfort. The word has been used in English literature for centuries to convey a sense of internal conflict or sudden illness.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,245 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.