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Vertigo: meaning, definitions and examples

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vertigo

 

[ ˈvɜːrtɪɡəʊ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

A sensation of whirling and loss of balance, associated particularly with looking down from a great height or caused by disease affecting the inner ear or the vestibular nerve.

Synonyms

dizziness, giddiness, spinning sensation

Examples of usage

  • The patient experienced vertigo when looking down from the top of the skyscraper.
  • She felt a sudden onset of vertigo while riding the roller coaster.
Context #2 | Noun

movie title

A 1958 psychological thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, about a man who is forced to face his acrophobia and vertigo.

Synonyms

film, movie, thriller

Examples of usage

  • Vertigo is considered one of Hitchcock's most iconic films.
  • The plot twist in Vertigo left the audience in awe.

Translations

Translations of the word "vertigo" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vertigem

🇮🇳 चक्कर

🇩🇪 Schwindel

🇮🇩 vertigo

🇺🇦 запаморочення

🇵🇱 zawroty głowy

🇯🇵 めまい

🇫🇷 vertige

🇪🇸 vértigo

🇹🇷 baş dönmesi

🇰🇷 현기증

🇸🇦 دوار

🇨🇿 závrať

🇸🇰 závrat

🇨🇳 眩晕

🇸🇮 vrtoglavica

🇮🇸 svimi

🇰🇿 бас айналу

🇬🇪 თავბრუსხვევა

🇦🇿 başgicəllənmə

🇲🇽 vértigo

Etymology

The word 'vertigo' originated from the Latin word 'vertere', meaning 'to turn'. It was first used in the English language in the 16th century to describe a sensation of dizziness or spinning. Over time, the term became associated with a specific medical condition related to balance and inner ear issues. In popular culture, 'vertigo' is also known for its connection to the classic film by Alfred Hitchcock, adding to its cultural significance.

See also: vertiginous.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,623, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.