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Wallow Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wallow

[หˆwษ’loสŠ ]

Definitions

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

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Wallowing in emotions can sometimes help people process their feelings but can also lead to prolonged sadness if done excessively.
  • Research shows that allowing oneself to wallow can lead to better emotional clarity after the initial feelings are experienced.

Animals

  • Many animals, including elephants and hippos, wallow in mud or water to cool down, protect their skin from sunburn, and keep away insects.
  • Wallowing is also a form of social interaction among some animal species, like pigs, who engage in the behavior together for fun and bonding.

Literature

  • The concept of wallowing in sorrow or joy appears in various literary works, where characters reflect deeply on their lives.
  • Famous novels often depict moments where protagonists wallow in their thoughts during critical turning points, showing growth or despair.

Origin of 'wallow'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has origins in the Old English 'wealwian', which means to roll or move about.
  • In English literature, it was used as far back as the 14th century to describe physical rolling in mud or water.

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 *walwลnฤ…, sharing similarities with Old High German 'waltรดn'. 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.