Trudged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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trudged

[trÊŒdÊ’d ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

walking heavily

To trudge means to walk with slow, heavy steps, typically due to exhaustion or difficult conditions. It conveys a sense of laborious movement, often as a result of fatigue or hardship.

Synonyms

march, plod, stomp.

Examples of usage

  • After the long hike, we trudged back to camp.
  • She trudged through the snow, feeling the weight of her backpack.
  • He trudged along the road, thinking about the challenges ahead.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Authors often use 'trudged' to convey a character's weariness or determination, adding emotional weight to a scene.
  • In classic literature, characters trudging through difficult landscapes symbolize struggles or journeys that are hard but necessary.

Psychology

  • Walking slowly and heavily, like when one trudges, can reflect feelings of sadness or fatigue, both physically and emotionally.
  • The physical act of trudging can also symbolize moments of resilience, where individuals push through difficulties.

Pop Culture

  • In films, characters who 'trudge' often represent the relatable struggle of facing adversity, such as the journey of a hero or an underdog.
  • Songs about 'trudging on' highlight themes of perseverance and endurance in the face of challenges, resonating with many listeners.

Nature

  • In natural environments, trudging through snow or sand is a common experience, highlighting the interplay between terrain and movement.
  • Animals may also be observed trudging through thick mud or snow, a behavior that reflects challenges in their survival.

Origin of 'trudged'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'trugan,' meaning to tread or to walk with effort.
  • Related to the Middle Dutch word 'drugen,' meaning to tread heavily, emphasizing a sense of weight and effort in movement.

The word 'trudge' has its origins in the mid-17th century, derived from the earlier term 'trudgen', which even then meant to walk laboriously. It likely stems from the Middle English word 'trudgen', appearing as a variant in the Middle Dutch word 'troggin', which means to walk heavily or laboriously. The development of the word reflects the physical effort and determination associated with striding through tough environments, such as in deep snow or rough terrain. Over time, 'trudge' has maintained its connotation of laborious movement, often evoking imagery of exhaustion or perseverance during challenging situations.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,018, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.