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Racking Meaning: Definition and Examples

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racking

[ˈrΓ¦kΙͺΕ‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

physical strain

Racking refers to the act of causing someone to experience great physical pain or distress. It can also describe a process of intense mental or emotional anguish.

Synonyms

agitating, distressing, torturing.

Examples of usage

  • The illness left him racking in pain.
  • She was racking her brain for a solution.
  • The experience was racking for everyone involved.
Context #2 | Noun

storage system

Racking is a structure or system used for storing goods, typically in warehouses or industrial settings. It consists of frameworks that hold and support products, making them easier to retrieve and organize.

Synonyms

framework, raster, shelving.

Examples of usage

  • The warehouse has extensive racking for their inventory.
  • They installed new racking to maximize storage efficiency.
  • The company specializes in industrial racking systems.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Racking one's brain often refers to intense mental effort, which can lead to problem-solving breakthroughs.
  • Stressful situations can create a feeling of being overwhelmed, akin to 'racking' under pressure.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often rack their brains in moments of crisis, highlighting their internal conflicts.
  • This theme appears in many narratives, emphasizing the struggle between desire and reality.

Health

  • Chronic stress can lead to physical tension in the body, similar to the concept of 'racking' pain.
  • Those who report mental anguish often describe it as a heavy burden, weighing down like a physical rack.

Pop Culture

  • The term is often used in movies where characters are depicted as struggling to solve a mystery, adding dramatic tension.
  • Racking one's brain can be a comedic device in cartoons where over-the-top reactions emphasize confusion.

Origin of 'racking'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'racken,' which meant to stretch or strain.
  • In Old English, 'racan' means to seize or take something forcefully, showing a connection to effort and exertion.

The term 'racking' originates from Middle English 'racken', which meant to torture or stretch. This comes from the Old English 'rΗ£ccan', meaning 'to stretch' or 'to strain'. The use of the word has evolved over centuries, reflecting both physical and emotional contexts. In warehouses and storage industries, the word has taken on a more utilitarian meaning related to the structures used for storing products. The physical connotation of racking is often associated with extreme discomfort or anguish, while in industrial contexts, it pertains to the utility and efficiency of storage solutions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,538, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.