Unhallowed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
š»
unhallowed
[ŹnĖhƦl.oŹd ]
Definition
moral transgression
The term 'unhallowed' refers to something that is not sacred, unholy, or associated with evil. It often describes actions or practices that defy moral or ethical standards. Unhallowed things are typically seen as unworthy of reverence and can evoke feelings of disgust or fear. The word is often found in literary contexts, especially in relation to supernatural or ominous themes.
Synonyms
impious, profane, sacrilegious, unholy.
Examples of usage
- The unhallowed ground was avoided by all villagers.
- She performed unhallowed rituals in the dead of night.
- The unhallowed whispers of the spirits echoed through the halls.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Shakespeare used 'unhallowed' in his plays to suggest something sinister or cursed, illustrating moral themes.
- In Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein,' the term captures the ethical dilemmas about creation and responsibility.
- The word often appears in Gothic literature, depicting dark, supernatural elements.
Religion & Mythology
- In many religious traditions, what is 'unhallowed' can refer to actions or places that invite evil spirits or energies.
- Ancient cultures often performed rituals to 'hallow' spaces, making them sacred for worship, meaning 'unhallowed' places were avoided.
- It contrasts sacredness central to numerous belief systems, emphasizing the importance of purity.
Pop Culture
- The term frequently appears in horror films and stories to describe places haunted by bad spirits or dark histories.
- It is often used in video games to denote forbidden lands or corrupted creatures, amplifying fear and mystery.
- Many songs reference 'unhallowed' themes, portraying personal struggles against dark forces.
Psychology
- The idea of 'unhallowed' can evoke feelings of guilt or fear associated with taboo subjects in human behavior.
- Exploring 'unhallowed' concepts can lead to discussions on morality and the human psyche's struggles between good and evil.
- Understanding what is considered 'unhallowed' varies across cultures, highlighting subjective interpretations of morality.
Origin of 'unhallowed'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'halgian,' which means to make holy or sacred.
- The prefix 'un-' indicates a negation, so 'unhallowed' literally means 'not made holy.'
- It has roots in both the Germanic and Latin languages, showing its deep historical connections.
The word 'unhallowed' comes from the combination of the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', and 'hallowed', which means 'sacred' or 'holy'. 'Hallowed' itself is derived from the Old English word 'halgian', which means 'to make holy'. The term has been in use since the 15th century and is often found in literary works, particularly within the context of religion and morality. Over time, 'unhallowed' has been used to describe various forms of wrongdoing or actions that go against sacred traditions. Its usage in literature, especially in works like Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', has solidified its connection with darkness and moral decay.