Ravening: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Old French term 'raviner', meaning to seize or plunder.
• Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'rapere', which means to snatch or grab quickly.
• In its earliest forms, the word conveyed a sense of aggressive hunger or desire.

Literature

• Ravening is often used in literature to describe fierce hunger, often featuring in tales of survival.
• In works like Shakespeare's plays, characters express ravening desires for power or revenge.
• The term appears in epic poetry where creatures or heroes exhibit insatiable hunger, reflecting deeper emotional or thematic cravings.

Cultural Significance

• In symbolism, ravening can represent both physical hunger and metaphorical desires, such as ambition or greed.
• Some cultures use the imagery of ravening beasts in folklore to depict moral lessons about excess and the dangers of unchecked desires.
• In the context of historical events, 'ravening' armies often signify the relentless pursuit of conquest and resources.

Psychology

• Feeling ravenous can illustrate psychological states, such as anxiety or stress, leading to intense cravings for food.
• Ravening can be metaphorical for stronger impulses, suggesting a human tendency to seek satisfaction beyond basic needs.
• Research indicates that when people feel deprived in one area, they often exhibit ravening behaviors in others, such as shopping or socializing.

Media

• The term 'ravening' has appeared in various media, including horror genres, where it describes creatures driven by an insatiable hunger.
• Certain songs and films use 'ravening' to evoke the feelings of insatiable desire, enhancing dramatic tension.
• Video games often feature ravening monsters, emphasizing the survival aspect as players must defend against relentless threats.