Swooning: meaning, definitions and examples

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swooning

 

[ ˈswuːnɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

feeling faint

Swooning refers to the act of fainting or losing consciousness typically due to overwhelming emotions such as excitement, love, or admiration. It is often associated with romantic scenarios where someone might feel so strongly that they become weak or faint. Historically, swooning was more prevalent in literary contexts, where characters would faint dramatically in response to intense feelings. While it may not be commonly used in everyday conversation, the term can still evoke images of a passionate response to strong emotions.

Synonyms

collapse, fainting, swoon

Examples of usage

  • She was swooning over the celebrity's charm.
  • He swooned at the sight of her stunning gown.
  • The fans were swooning as the singer took the stage.
Context #2 | Verb

romantic admiration

In a more figurative sense, swooning can describe a state of intense admiration or infatuation, often used to depict someone who is overly enamored with another person. This usage is common in contexts involving romantic literature and descriptions of infatuation. People may 'swoon' while expressing adoration or affection towards someone they find exceptionally attractive or charming.

Synonyms

be captivated, be enamored, faint

Examples of usage

  • The audience was swooning at his performance.
  • She couldn't help but swoon over his poetic words.
  • Fans often swoon when they meet their idols.

Translations

Translations of the word "swooning" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desmaiar

🇮🇳 बेहोश होना

🇩🇪 ohnmächtig werden

🇮🇩 pingsan

🇺🇦 втрата свідомості

🇵🇱 omdlenie

🇯🇵 気絶する

🇫🇷 s'évanouir

🇪🇸 desmayarse

🇹🇷 bayılmak

🇰🇷 기절하다

🇸🇦 الإغماء

🇨🇿 omdlít

🇸🇰 omdlieť

🇨🇳 昏厥

🇸🇮 omdleti

🇮🇸 missir

🇰🇿 есте жоғалту

🇬🇪 გონება დაკარგვა

🇦🇿 ödü düşmək

🇲🇽 desmayarse

Etymology

The term 'swoon' has its origins dating back to the late 16th century, derived from the Middle English word 'swonen,' which means to faint. It is believed to have evolved from the Old English 'swōnan,' which means to lose consciousness. During the 18th and 19th centuries, swooning became a popular literary trope, especially in romantic novels where characters would dramatically faint due to passions or overwhelming emotions. This period solidified the term into the cultural lexicon, often associating it with romantic idealism and heightened emotional states. The concept of swooning has persisted into modern language, maintaining its connection with love and admiration, especially in the context of infatuation. Interestingly, the phenomenon of swooning, particularly among women in the Victorian era, was often viewed with both fascination and criticism, leading to various discussions about women's health and emotional states during that time.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,912 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.