Shriveled - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

appearance, condition

Shriveled describes something that has become wrinkled and shrunken, often as a result of dehydration or aging. Objects that are shriveled typically appear dry and contracted, losing their original fullness or vitality. This term is commonly used to describe fruits, vegetables, or even skin, particularly in cases of neglect or adverse weather conditions. A shriveled object may evoke a sense of decay or deterioration.

Synonyms

dehydrated, dried, shrunken, withered.

Examples of usage

The shriveled apple sat on the counter, forgotten.
He looked at his shriveled hands, realizing the passage of time.
The once vibrant flowers now looked shriveled under the harsh sun.

Interesting Facts

Biology

Plants can become shriveled due to lack of water, leading to wilting and reduced leaf size.
In food science, fruits and vegetables are often dried intentionally to preserve them, resulting in a shriveled appearance.
Dehydration in animals can also cause their skin and body to shrivel, indicating a need for water.

Literature

The image of shriveled leaves is often used in poetry to evoke feelings of desolation or the passage of time.
In many novels, 'shriveled' characters reflect wisdom gained through hardship, as their experiences have 'shrunken' them emotionally.
Authors often write about shriveled hopes and dreams, using the word to symbolize lost potential.

Cultural References

In folklore, shriveled plants or objects often signify a curse or a bad omen.
Cartoons often depict shriveled characters as frail or ancient, adding a humorous touch to their wisdom.
Certain cultures use shriveled fruits in traditional remedies, believing they hold special significance or healing properties.

Psychology

The term can metaphorically represent emotional states, where someone may feel 'shriveled' inside due to sadness or loss.
Experiencing trauma can lead individuals to feel emotionally shriveled, interpreting it as a loss of vitality.
Cognitive studies show that people might associate shriveling with aging, leading to a negative view of the aging process.

Origin of 'shriveled'

Main points about word origin

This word comes from the Old English 'scrifan,' meaning 'to dry up' or 'shrink'.
It is related to the word 'shrive,' which originally meant to shrivel or to make smaller.
The prefix 'shri-' indicates a connection to the idea of 'shrinking' or 'drawing in' in various languages.

The word 'shriveled' originates from the Middle English 'shrivele,' which is derived from the Old English 'scrifan,' meaning to shrive or to draw together. Originally, it was used to describe something that has been made smaller or contracted, often in a negative connotation related to loss of moisture or vitality. Over time, the term evolved to describe physical appearances and conditions representational of decay. The notion of shrinkage and wrinkling has been a part of the language for centuries, reflecting human observations of nature and aging.

Shriveled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations