Sickened Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคข
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sickened

[หˆsษชkษ™nd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

emotional state

Sickened is the past tense of sickness, which refers to feeling an uncomfortable sensation of unease, nausea, or disgust. It can denote feelings of being ill or unwell, both physically and emotionally. The term can also reflect a strong sense of moral disapproval or distress regarding something disturbing. It is commonly used to describe reactions to grim or distressing situations.

Synonyms

appalled, disgusted, nauseated, repulsed, upset.

Examples of usage

  • She was sickened by the graphic images.
  • He felt sickened after hearing the news.
  • They were sickened by the unfair treatment.
  • I was sickened to learn about the scandal.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Experiencing feelings of sickness can also relate to strong emotional responses like disgust or fear.
  • Research shows that psychological factors can trigger physical symptoms, meaning feeling sickened can sometimes be mind-related.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help individuals cope with feelings of sickness related to anxiety or trauma.

Health

  • Gastrointestinal viruses can cause someone to feel sickened, manifesting in symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
  • Food poisoning is another common cause of sickening feelings, impacting thousands every year due to contaminated food.
  • Chronic illnesses such as migraines can also induce sensations of sickness, which can affect daily activities.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters often become sickened by shocking revelations, showcasing the emotional depth and stress they experience.
  • Sickening scenes in horror films are used to evoke strong reactions, making the audience uncomfortable or scared.
  • Music lyrics frequently use the term to express feelings of betrayal or disgust, making it relatable to listeners.

Literature

  • Many authors explore the theme of sickness as a metaphor for moral or societal decay, invoking powerful imagery.
  • In classic literature, characters often find themselves sickened by the aftermath of war or betrayal, highlighting deep emotional struggles.
  • The use of sensory details in texts can convey sickness vividly, allowing readers to experience the discomfort alongside characters.

Origin of 'sickened'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sickened' comes from the Old English word 'sฤ“oc', which means 'ill' or 'sick'.
  • It has the suffix '-ened', indicating a transformation or change into a state of sickness or distress.
  • Over time, the use of 'sickened' has broadened to encompass emotional and psychological states as well, not just physical illness.

The word 'sickened' originates from the Old English 'sica', which means 'sick'. Historically, it has evolved through Middle English forms, transitioning from 'siken', to Middle Dutch 'sick' and Old High German 'sih'. The evolution highlights a shared linguistic heritage among Germanic languages. The term has consistently been associated with feelings of ill health or discomfort. The suffix '-ened' denotes a change in state, indicating that the subject has transitioned into a state of sickness from a prior condition. This word has been used in English literature dating back to the 15th century, often in contexts where individuals describe their emotional or physical responses to adverse stimuli. Over the centuries, the connotation of 'sicken' has broadened, allowing it to encompass both physical ailments and emotional reactions to disturbing events.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,074, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.