Sweltered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sweltered

[หˆswษ›ltษ™rd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

heat discomfort

Sweltered refers to the state of suffering from oppressive heat. It is often used to describe the physical experience of being uncomfortably warm due to high temperatures.

Synonyms

boiled, broiled, simmered.

Examples of usage

  • We sweltered under the midday sun during our hike.
  • The whole town sweltered during the heatwave.
  • She sweltered in her heavy clothes on a hot summer day.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The sensation of sweltering has been described in various works, symbolizing not just physical discomfort but emotional turmoil as well.
  • Famous authors like Charles Dickens have used the word to depict the oppressive heat of the Victorian summer, painting vivid images of the characters' struggles.
  • In poetry, sweltering often evokes feelings of isolation or longing, with heat representing unfulfilled desires.

Psychology

  • High temperatures can influence mood, causing irritability, fatigue, and even a sense of aggression, triggering whatโ€™s sometimes called 'heat-related stress.'
  • Research has shown that heat can impact cognitive functions, making it harder to focus or think clearly, thus connecting physical sensations to mental performance.
  • The discomfort of sweltering often leads people to seek out social or physical activities in cooler environments, revealing our natural response to heat.

Climate Science

  • As global temperatures rise, the frequency of sweltering days has increased in many regions, impacting agriculture and water supply.
  • Urban areas tend to experience more sweltering conditions due to the 'urban heat island' effect, where buildings and roads absorb and retain heat.
  • The concept of heatwaves has also gained prominence in climate discussions, with sweltering being a common descriptor of their effects on human health and daily life.

Pop Culture

  • Many films and music lyrics utilize the notion of sweltering as a metaphor for passion or overwhelming emotions, especially in love stories set in hot climates.
  • Reality TV shows often feature contestants enduring sweltering conditions in challenges, emphasizing survival and resilience.
  • The term often appears in summer-themed songs, capturing the essence of hot days spent at the beach or pool parties.

Origin of 'sweltered'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Middle English, derived from 'sweltren,' which means to be faint from heat.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Old English 'sweltan,' which also relates to the act of dying or fainting, emphasizing extreme heat.
  • The term has evolved over centuries, with the current form appearing in documenting English around the late 14th century.

The word 'sweltered' originates from the Old English word 'sweltan', meaning 'to die' or 'to perish', which is related to the idea of being overcome by heat to the point of discomfort or even danger. The term evolved through Middle English as 'swelten', which maintained the implication of being affected severely, particularly by heat. As the language developed, the modern form 'swelter' emerged, capturing the essence of heat-induced distress. This reflects the historical significance of oppressive heat in various cultures, where extreme weather conditions often dictate lifestyle and daily activities. Over time, 'sweltered' came to be widely used in English literature, particularly in works that describe the struggles against nature's elements.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,458, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.