Scrabbled: meaning, definitions and examples
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scrabbled
[ˈskræbld ]
Definition
past form
Scrabbled is the past tense of the verb 'scrabble', which means to move or scrape around quickly and clumsily, usually with the hands. It often describes a frantic or desperate search for something. It can also refer to the act of playing or creating words in a game like Scrabble. This term may convey a sense of urgency or disarray in the movement.
Synonyms
fumbled, rummaged, scratched, searched.
Examples of usage
- She scrabbled for her keys under the couch.
- The child scrabbled in the dirt for hidden treasures.
- They scrabbled to find answers during the quiz.
- He scrabbled up the hill, eager to get a better view.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word originated from the Old English 'scrab' meaning to scrape or scratch.
- It evolved through Middle English, where it described a hasty or awkward movement.
- The usage gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in literature and speech.
Language Usage
- In everyday conversations, 'scrabbled' can depict a chaotic or frantic search, such as scrabbling through old papers.
- It often appears in literature to illustrate confusion or urgency in characters' actions.
- Scrabbled can also be used metaphorically to describe efforts to gain knowledge or skills quickly.
Psychology
- Frantic movements, like 'scrabbling', can indicate stress or anxiety, reflecting a psychological state of urgency.
- People may resort to scrabbling when faced with overwhelming situations, showing how stress affects physical actions.
- The act of scrabbling may serve as a coping mechanism to regain control in chaotic environments.
Pop Culture
- The word 'scrabble' is most famously associated with the board game where players 'scrabble' together letters to form words.
- Characters in movies might be shown scrabbling when in a hurry, often used for comedic effect.
- In video games, 'scrabbled' actions can illustrate a player's frantic attempts to solve puzzles.
Nature
- Animals often 'scrabble' through leaves and dirt in search of food or shelter, showcasing their survival instincts.
- Birds 'scrabble' on the ground, using their beaks to sift through soil or debris for insects.
- The behavior of scrabbling can be observed in various animal species as a key survival tactic.
Translations
Translations of the word "scrabbled" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desordenado
🇮🇳 बेतरतीब
🇩🇪 verworfen
🇮🇩 tercampur
🇺🇦 перемішаний
🇵🇱 pomieszany
🇯🇵 混乱した
🇫🇷 débarassé
🇪🇸 revuelto
🇹🇷 karışık
🇰🇷 뒤엉킨
🇸🇦 مُشَوَّش
🇨🇿 zmatek
🇸🇰 roztrhnutý
🇨🇳 混乱的
🇸🇮 zmešan
🇮🇸 óreiða
🇰🇿 аралас
🇬🇪 ბურღვა
🇦🇿 qarışıq
🇲🇽 revuelto