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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vertigo

Identical to the first listing. Used in medical or formal contexts to describe a specific type of dizziness that involves a feeling of spinning or movement. Often associated with inner ear issues or neurological disorders.

  • She was diagnosed with vertigo after experiencing balance problems.
  • Vertigo can be a symptom of an underlying condition such as Meniere’s disease.
dizziness

Used in general and non-technical contexts to describe a variety of sensations, including light-headedness and feeling faint. It does not necessarily involve a spinning sensation.

  • After standing up too quickly, I felt a wave of dizziness.
  • Dizziness can be caused by dehydration or low blood pressure.
spinning sensation

Used to describe the specific feeling that the surroundings are moving or rotating. Often used in informal settings to specify the type of dizziness being experienced.

  • When he looked down from the tall building, he got a spinning sensation.
  • A spinning sensation can be caused by ear infections or vestibular migraines.
giddiness

Informal and somewhat old-fashioned term, often used to describe a feeling of light-headedness or excitement. It can sometimes carry a connotation of frivolity or youthful behavior.

  • The children were full of giddiness after eating so much sugar.
  • She felt a wave of giddiness when she saw her favorite band perform live.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vertigo

Use 'vertigo' to describe the sensation of dizziness or the feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning. It generally appears in medical contexts.

  • She experiences vertigo every time she stands up too fast.
  • The doctor diagnosed him with vertigo after a series of tests.
film

Use 'film' to refer to a motion picture, especially in a more artistic or classic sense. It is often used in discussions involving the art and technique of filmmaking.

  • They reviewed the latest French film at the festival.
  • He is studying film theory at the university.
movie

Use 'movie' to refer to a motion picture in a more casual, everyday context. It's the term commonly used in North American English.

  • I watched a great movie last night.
  • Do you want to go to the movies this weekend?
thriller

Use 'thriller' to describe a genre of literature, film, or television known for its suspense, tension, and excitement. It often involves crime, psychological intrigue, or espionage.

  • The new thriller kept me on the edge of my seat.
  • She loves reading psychological thrillers.

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.