Stranding: meaning, definitions and examples

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stranding

 

[ strændɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

maritime situation

Stranding refers to the situation in which a ship or other vessel becomes aground or stuck in a shallow area, usually due to insufficient water depth. This can lead to damage to the vessel and may require assistance to refloat it. In a broader sense, stranding can also apply to animals, particularly marine animals like whales or dolphins, which become beached or trapped on land. The causes of stranding can vary, including navigational errors, changes in tides, or environmental factors.

Synonyms

aground, beaching, trapped

Examples of usage

  • The ship was in danger of stranding on the reef.
  • Whale stranding events create significant concern among marine biologists.
  • Efforts to prevent stranding include better navigation systems.
Context #2 | Verb

to leave behind

To strand someone means to leave them in a difficult or helpless situation, often by abandoning them in a place where they cannot easily leave or find help. This usage is commonly associated with travel or emergencies, where a person might be left behind due to unforeseen circumstances. Stranding can evoke feelings of isolation and panic as individuals must navigate their way out of adverse conditions or surroundings.

Synonyms

abandon, leave, maroon

Examples of usage

  • The heavy snowstorm stranded travelers at the airport.
  • He felt stranded in the unfamiliar city without any transport options.
  • The broken-down bus stranded the group in the middle of nowhere.

Translations

Translations of the word "stranding" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encalhar

🇮🇳 किनारे पर लाना

🇩🇪 Strandung

🇮🇩 terdampar

🇺🇦 викидання на берег

🇵🇱 osadzenie

🇯🇵 座礁

🇫🇷 échouement

🇪🇸 varada

🇹🇷 karaya oturma

🇰🇷 좌초

🇸🇦 التجريف

🇨🇿 uvíznutí

🇸🇰 uvíznutie

🇨🇳 搁浅

🇸🇮 nasukan

🇮🇸 stranding

🇰🇿 жағалауға шығу

🇬🇪 გადმოსვლა

🇦🇿 quruya çıxarma

🇲🇽 varada

Etymology

The term 'stranding' originates from the Old Norse word 'stranda', which means to land or to run aground. This word has evolved over centuries, with its usage becoming more associated with maritime contexts in Middle English. In nautics, 'stranding' specifically refers to the occurrence of a vessel coming into contact with the shore or shallows, often leading to complications or damage. The evolution of the term has seen it expand to other contexts, particularly in relation to animals and passenger situations. The metaphorical use of 'stranding' to describe abandonment in personal relationships and travel misadventures reflects the broader implications of being left in a vulnerable position. Through literature and nautical records, the word has maintained a strong presence, bridging its original maritime meaning with contemporary applications.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,911, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.