Ridden: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'ridden' comes from the Old English word 'ridan', meaning 'to ride'.
• In Middle English, the past participle became 'riden', which eventually evolved into 'ridden'.
• It is often used in phrases that imply being heavily influenced or affected by something.

Literature

• In literature, characters can be described as 'ridden with guilt' to show how their emotions control their actions.
• The phrase 'ridden by fear' appears in many novels, illustrating the internal struggles of characters.
• Shakespeare's plays often included characters whose lives were 'ridden' with complex emotions, driving the story forward.

Psychology

• 'Ridden' is frequently used to describe an individual under the weight of negative emotions or mental states, such as anxiety or depression.
• Therapists may use the term to refer to clients who feel 'ridden' with insecurities impacting their self-esteem.
• The idea of being 'ridden' can relate to how unresolved trauma can control a person's life.

Pop Culture

• Songs and movies often depict characters 'ridden' with struggles, which makes them relatable and human.
• In modern storytelling, being ‘ridden’ with sorrow or regret is a common theme that resonates with audiences.
• The concept has been explored extensively in music, where lyrics talk about being 'ridden' with love and heartache.

Idiomatic Usage

• Common idioms include 'ridden with guilt' or 'ridden with problems', conveying a sense of burden or overwhelming issues.
• Phrases using 'ridden' can indicate something consuming or controlling a person's thoughts or actions.
• 'He was ridden by doubt' suggests a state where an individual feels persistently troubled or uneasy.

Ranked #11,267, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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