Squalled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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squalled

[skwɔld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

weather phenomenon

To squalled means to experience a sudden and violent gust of wind or a violent disturbance, often associated with a storm. It describes a moment of chaotic weather, typically leading to turbulent conditions and rapid changes in atmospheric pressure.

Synonyms

gusted, stormed, turbulenced.

Examples of usage

  • The storm suddenly squalled, scattering debris everywhere.
  • The ship was nearly capsized when it squalled unexpectedly.
  • As we sailed, the weather squalled, catching the crew off guard.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Squalled has been used in various literary works to convey deep emotions, often related to distress or sorrow.
  • Classic authors like William Faulkner employed the term in their narratives to highlight characters' emotional turmoil.
  • In poetry, the word often evokes a sense of urgency and raw emotion, capturing the reader's attention.

Psychology

  • Crying is a natural emotional release, and words like 'squalled' convey urgency and need, indicating distress.
  • Children often use vocal expressions akin to squalled to signal discomfort or seek attention when upset.
  • Research shows that the sound of crying can instinctively trigger caregiving responses in adults.

Pop Culture

  • In films and books, characters that 'squalled' often represent vulnerability or moments of crisis, drawing empathy from the audience.
  • An example can be found in animated cartoons where character antics lead to exaggerated squalled cries for comedic effect.
  • This word appears in songs and chants, often symbolizing heartbreak or longing.

Nature

  • Similar to natural phenomena like storms 'squelching', the sound of 'squalled' can be likened to hawks or other birds screeching in distress.
  • Wildlife documentaries often use sounds like these to convey animal communication related to survival and alertness.
  • Just as a sudden squall can change the weather, an unexpected cry from a child signifies a need for attention or help.

Origin of 'squalled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English term 'squallen', which means to cry out.
  • It shares roots with the term 'squall', originally referring to a sudden, harsh noise or bad weather phenomenon.
  • The use of 'squalled' has been recorded since the late 19th century in literature to describe disturbing cries.

The term 'squalled' is derived from the Middle English word 'squalen', which meant 'to make a loud noise' or 'to cry out'. It has its roots in the Old Norse word 'skvala', meaning 'to cry out' or 'to screech'. Originally, the term was associated with the noise that winds made during severe weather. Over time, it evolved to specifically describe the sudden changes in wind patterns that accompany violent storms. This linguistic evolution reflects humanity's ongoing interaction with nature, particularly through our understanding of weather patterns. As maritime activities grew, the word became more prevalent among sailors and navigators, signaling dangerous conditions at sea.