Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Shroud Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⚰️
Add to dictionary

shroud

[ʃraʊd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

cover

a length of cloth or an enveloping garment in which a dead person is wrapped for burial.

Synonyms

burial cloth, pall.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
shroud

Commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Literally, it refers to a cloth used for wrapping a body for burial. Metaphorically, it describes something that conceals or obscures.

  • The mist shrouded the mountains in the early morning.
  • The mystery was shrouded in secrecy.
burial cloth

Strictly used in literal context to describe a cloth used specifically for wrapping a deceased person before burial.

  • The burial cloth was made from fine linen.
  • Ancient cultures often adorned the burial cloth with symbols.
pall

Primarily used in literal contexts to describe a cloth placed over a coffin or tomb. Can also be used metaphorically to describe an atmosphere of gloom.

  • A black pall was draped over the coffin.
  • A pall of silence fell over the crowd after the announcement.

Examples of usage

  • The body was wrapped in a shroud before being buried.
  • The shroud was made of fine linen.
  • The shroud was decorated with intricate embroidery.
Context #2 | Noun

mystery

a thing that envelops or obscures something.

Synonyms

cloak, veil.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
shroud

Used when covering or concealing something, often in a solemn or mysterious context. Typically associated with death or secrecy.

  • The fog shrouded the village in an eerie silence.
  • The details of the scandal were shrouded in mystery.
veil

Appropriate when indicating a thin or partial covering, often used in a context of subtlety or to describe something that obscures but doesn't completely hide.

  • A veil of mist hung over the lake.
  • She maintained a veil of secrecy around her past.
cloak

Used to describe the act of covering or hiding something, often for the purpose of deception or protection. Suitable for both literal and metaphorical uses.

  • She cloaked her true feelings behind a smile.
  • The spy cloaked his identity under several aliases.

Examples of usage

  • A shroud of mist covered the valley.
  • The mystery was hidden by a shroud of secrecy.
Context #3 | Verb

cover

wrap or dress (a body) in a shroud for burial.

Synonyms

encase, envelop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
shroud

Primarily used when covering something in a way that hides it from view. Often associated with mystery or secrecy.

  • The village was shrouded in mist
  • His face was shrouded in darkness
envelop

Suggests surrounding something completely, often softly or gently, and can have a comforting or immersive connotation.

  • The fog enveloped the city
  • She was enveloped in a warm blanket
encase

Implies completely covering or enclosing something, usually to protect it.

  • The diamond was encased in a glass box
  • He encased his fragile items in bubble wrap

Examples of usage

  • The deceased was shrouded in white linen.
  • They shrouded the body in preparation for the funeral.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Practices

  • In many cultures, shrouding is a traditional practice for preparing the deceased for burial.
  • In Islam, a simple white cloth known as 'kafan' is used as a shroud, symbolizing purity in death.
  • In ancient Egyptian rituals, linen shrouds were commonly used to wrap mummies as part of their burial customs.

Literature

  • Shrouds often symbolize mystery or concealment in literature, representing hidden truths.
  • Notable works, like Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet', use shrouds to evoke themes of death and mortality.
  • In some poetic verses, the shroud represents the boundary between life and death, invoking deep emotional responses.

Symbolism

  • A shroud can symbolize the transition from life to death, often representing the mystery surrounding mortality.
  • In art, shrouds may depict the concept of mourning and loss, manifesting through draped figures or muted colors.
  • Shrouds can also symbolize secrets, hiding the true nature of a person or situation from view.

Psychology

  • The concept of a shroud can evoke feelings of fear or discomfort related to death in many people.
  • Cognitive dissonance may occur when individuals confront the emotional heaviness of shrouds in literary and cultural contexts.
  • Exploring shrouds in a psychological sense reveals how individuals cope with the unknown aspects of life and death.

Origin of 'shroud'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shroud' comes from the Old English word 'scrūd', meaning 'to cover'.
  • It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word 'skraudaz', also meaning a covering or cloth.
  • The term has evolved over centuries, maintaining its core meaning related to concealment or covering.

The word 'shroud' originated from Old English 'scrūd', meaning 'garment, clothing'. Over time, it evolved to refer to a burial cloth or something that envelops or obscures. The use of shrouds for wrapping the deceased for burial has been a long-standing tradition in various cultures, symbolizing respect and farewell to the departed.

See also: shrouded.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,928, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.