Racked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
đŠ
racked
[rĂŚkt ]
Definition
past tense
Racked is the simple past tense of rack, meaning to cause someone to suffer mental or physical pain. It often describes intense emotional distress or physical torment.
Synonyms
afflicted, agonized, distressed, tortured.
Examples of usage
- She was racked with guilt after the incident.
- He racked his brain trying to solve the complex puzzle.
- The athlete was racked with pain during the competition.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Experiencing high levels of stress can lead to feeling racked, affecting both mental and physical health.
- The mind can become overloaded with worries, causing a sensation similar to physical pain.
- Emotional racking is often associated with significant life changes, like loss or betrayal.
Literature
- In poetry, 'racked' is frequently used to evoke strong feelings of sorrow or anguish, enhancing emotional depth.
- Classic novels often portray characters who are racked with indecision, reflecting their inner conflict.
- Shakespeare uses the word to describe characters in extreme emotional distress, highlighting its dramatic effect.
Health
- Physical racking pain can be a symptom of injuries, requiring care and attention to recover.
- Chronic stress can lead to a racked body, manifesting as tension headaches or muscle pain.
- Seeking help for stress-related issues is vital, as prolonged racking can lead to serious health problems.
Cultural References
- In movies, characters often appear racked with guilt, portraying how internal struggles affect outward actions.
- Songs about heartache frequently use the term to express emotional pain, resonating with listeners worldwide.
- Artists sometimes depict racked figures in their work to symbolize the struggle between body and mind.
Origin of 'racked'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'racian', which means to stretch or torture, linking it to painful experiences.
- Originally, 'rack' referred to a torture device used in the Middle Ages to stretch the body, leading to a painful state.
- The use of 'racked' in literature often relates to emotional turmoil, reflecting historical contexts of suffering.
The word 'rack' comes from the Old English 'racca', meaning 'to torture or torment'. In Middle English, it evolved into 'racken,' which referred to the act of stretching or torturing someone on a rack, a device used in the Middle Ages for inflicting pain. Over time, the term broadened to include any intense form of suffering, both physical and emotional. The figurative usage of 'racked' to imply mental distress or intense thought first appeared in the 19th century. As the language evolved, 'racked' became associated with a range of severe emotional or physical states, establishing its place in English vernacular. Today, it is commonly used in both literary and conversational contexts to convey deep anguish or stress.