Wallow: meaning, definitions and examples

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wallow

[ ˈwɒloʊ ]

Verb

^{Context #1 | Verb}

emotional state

To wallow means to indulge oneself in a particular feeling, often to an excessive degree. This word is usually used in the context of negative emotions, where a person might immerse themselves in sadness or self-pity. The act of wallowing can be seen as unproductive and might prevent individuals from moving on from their feelings. Despite its negative connotation, it can also refer to finding comfort in one's emotions. The nuances of 'wallow' suggest both a physical and emotional immersion.

Synonyms

bathe, immerse, indulge, roll around.

Examples of usage

She wallowed in her grief after the loss.
He tends to wallow in self-doubt.
After the breakup, she spent days wallowing in sadness.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

physical action

Wallow can also refer to the act of rolling about or lying relaxed in a particular substance, often mud or water. This behavior is typically associated with animals, such as pigs, who wallow to keep cool or to protect themselves from insects. This physical action can convey a sense of playfulness and joy in certain contexts, contrasting with its emotional usage. The image of an animal wallowing evokes a sense of carefree abandon and enjoyment.

Synonyms

drench, flounder, lie, roll.

Examples of usage

The pigs wallowed in the mud on a hot day.
She watched the dogs wallow in the river.
They enjoyed wallowing in the soft sand at the beach.

Translations

Translations of the word "wallow" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rebolar

🇮🇳 लोटना

🇩🇪 suhlen

🇮🇩 berguling

🇺🇦 валятися

🇵🇱 tarzać się

🇯🇵 転がる

🇫🇷 se vautrer

🇪🇸 revolcarse

🇹🇷 yuvarlanmak

🇰🇷 구르다

🇸🇦 تدحرج

🇨🇿 válet se

🇸🇰 váľať sa

🇨🇳 打滚

🇸🇮 valjati se

🇮🇸 rúlla

🇰🇿 құлау

🇬🇪 გორაობა

🇦🇿 dönmək

🇲🇽 revolcarse

Etymology

The word 'wallow' originated from Middle English 'walwen', which means 'to roll or toss about'. This term is derived from the Old English 'walwian', which also means to roll or to turn over. The etymological roots trace back to Proto-Germanic *walwōną, sharing similarities with Old High German 'waltôn'. Over time, 'wallow' evolved to apply to both physical actions and emotional states, reflecting how individuals might metaphorically immerse themselves in feelings just as animals do in mud or water. Its usage in literature can be traced back as far as the 14th century, capturing the dual sense of indulging in both physical pleasures and emotional states.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,541, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
26538 linker
26539 seiner
26540 gooseberry
26541 wallow
26542 acclimation
26543 rejuvenated
26544 responder
...