Sapped: meaning, definitions and examples

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sapped

 

[sæpt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

energy loss

To sap means to gradually weaken or destroy something. It often refers to the act of draining vitality, strength, or energy from someone or something over a period of time. This term can imply a sense of wearing down through persistent pressure or adversity. For example, a demanding job might sap one's enthusiasm for life, or illness can sap a person's strength.

Synonyms

deplete, diminish, drain, exhaust, weaken.

Examples of usage

  • The long hours at work sapped her energy.
  • His constant worries sapped his motivation.
  • The hot weather sapped the athletes' stamina.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'sapped' comes from the Old English 'sæpp', which means juice or fluid of a plant, emphasizing the idea of losing life force.
  • Historically, 'sap' has been linked to vitality, as it's essential for trees to transport nutrients, leading to the figurative use of 'sapped' as losing strength.

Psychology

  • Feeling 'sapped' can be linked to cognitive overload, where too much mental effort leads to fatigue and decreased performance.
  • Research shows that emotional states like stress or sadness can make people feel sapped, physically affecting their energy levels.

Literature

  • Authors often describe characters as 'sapped' to convey their drained emotional state, enhancing the reader's empathy.
  • In poetry, being 'sapped' can symbolize the loss of passion or motivation, illustrating a deeper struggle.

Pop Culture

  • In popular media, characters who have been sapped often undergo a journey to regain their energy or spirit, showcasing resilience.
  • Songs and movies often touch on the feeling of being 'sapped' after heartbreak, resonating with audiences' experiences of emotional weariness.

Health

  • Physical exercise can lead to feeling sapped temporarily, highlighting the importance of rest and recovery for overall health.
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome is a medical condition where individuals often feel sapped of energy, indicating a need for awareness and support.

Translations

Translations of the word "sapped" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esgotado

🇮🇳 निचोड़ लिया गया

🇩🇪 ausgelaugt

🇮🇩 terhisap

🇺🇦 виснажений

🇵🇱 wyczerpany

🇯🇵 枯渇した

🇫🇷 épuisé

🇪🇸 agotado

🇹🇷 tükenmiş

🇰🇷 고갈된

🇸🇦 مرهق

🇨🇿 vyčerpaný

🇸🇰 vyčerpaný

🇨🇳 耗尽的

🇸🇮 izčrpan

🇮🇸 tæmdur

🇰🇿 таусылған

🇬🇪 გამოფიტული

🇦🇿 tükənmiş

🇲🇽 agotado

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,804, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.