Sweltered: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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 what’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.

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.

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• 40455 pudendum
• 40456 tosser
• 40457 sashay
• 40458 sweltered
• 40459 auguring
• 40460 demotivating
• 40461 fleshiness
• ...