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Stricken Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ข
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stricken

[หˆstrษชkษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

affected badly

Stricken refers to being affected by something negative or severe. It often denotes a state of distress, suffering, or shock. When someone is stricken with illness or grief, it means they are deeply impacted and canโ€™t function normally. The term emphasizes the severity of the condition or experience, capturing both the emotional and physical toll it takes on a person.

Synonyms

afflicted, hit, suffering, touched, troubled.

Examples of usage

  • The stricken town struggled to recover after the flood.
  • He appeared stricken with grief after the loss of his friend.
  • The stricken patients required immediate medical attention.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's works, characters often experience stricken emotions, illustrating deep despair or guilt.
  • Victor Hugo used the term in 'Les Misรฉrables' to describe characters facing misfortune and suffering.
  • The feeling of being stricken is commonly captured in poetry to express profound sorrow or regret.

History

  • Throughout history, calamities and natural disasters have left countless individuals feeling stricken.
  • Stricken nations often face economic hardships following wars, resulting in emotional and physical suffering.
  • The term has been associated with diseases in historical medical texts, describing those severely afflicted.

Psychology

  • Experiencing a stricken state can lead to feelings of helplessness and anxiety in psychological studies.
  • Trauma can leave individuals feeling stricken, affecting mental health and overall well-being.
  • Emotional responses in grief often result in individuals feeling stricken after the loss of a loved one.

Pop Culture

  • In music, numerous songs explore themes of heartbreak and loss where characters express feeling stricken.
  • Film adaptations of literary works often depict characters as stricken to highlight their emotional struggles.
  • Television series frequently use the word to describe protagonists faced with tragic events.

Origin of 'stricken'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'stricken' comes from the Old English 'strican,' which means to strike or hit.
  • It originally referred to being physically hit but evolved to include emotional impacts.
  • The term has been used in English literature since the 14th century.

The term 'stricken' originates from the Old English word 'strican,' which means 'to strike' or 'to touch.' Over time, it has evolved in its usage to signify not just a physical strike but also the emotional and mental states following such an impact. The word is often used in literature and speech to underscore the profound effects of adverse events on individuals or communities. It entered the English language more prominently in the past centuries, retaining its connotation of being deeply affected or touched by something significant, often negative.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,798 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.