Warding Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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warding
[ˈwɔːrdɪŋ ]
Definition
protection, defense
Warding refers to the act of guarding or protecting someone or something from harm or danger. It often implies a proactive defense against negative influences or attacks. In various cultural contexts, warding can involve rituals or practices meant to repel evil spirits or misfortunes. The term is commonly used in discussions of magic, folklore, and even in martial arts where practitioners ward off attacks. Overall, it emphasizes a protective stance.
Synonyms
defending, guarding, protecting, shielding.
Examples of usage
- She practiced warding off negative energy with crystals.
- The warrior was skilled in warding against enemy attacks.
- Many cultures believe in warding rituals to keep spirits at bay.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Practices
- In various cultures, people use amulets and charms as forms of warding to shield against misfortune or evil spirits.
- In some indigenous beliefs, warding rituals are performed to protect individuals from negative energies or entities.
- In Western occult traditions, warding is commonly associated with casting protective spells in practices such as witchcraft.
Psychology
- Warding behaviors can be seen as psychological mechanisms to cope with anxiety, helping individuals feel safer in stressful situations.
- Rituals for warding off bad luck can provide a sense of control, which helps manage fear and uncertainty.
- The concept of warding reflects a deep psychological need for safety and the human desire to fend off potential threats.
Literature
- Warding is often a theme in fantasy literature, where characters use magic to protect themselves and their communities from dark forces.
- Many myths feature warding symbols that heroes inscribe to protect themselves on their adventures.
- In classic tales, wards are sometimes depicted as physical barriers (like walls) as well as magical ones, showcasing the blend of the physical and the supernatural.
Pop Culture
- In video games, warding often appears as abilities that protect players from damage or detection by enemies.
- Movies in the horror genre often feature characters using wards to protect themselves from supernatural threats, reinforcing the idea of protection from evil.
- Comic book heroes frequently use warding techniques or talismans to shield their secret identities or powers from being discovered.
Origin of 'warding'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'ward' comes from the Old English 'weardian', meaning to guard or protect, showing its deep roots in the idea of safety.
- In medieval times, warding was related to keeping watch over a place or person, a critical role in castle defenses.
- The suffix '-ing' implies an action, so 'warding' literally means the act of guarding or protecting.
The word 'warding' has its origins in Old English, specifically from the term 'weardian,' which means 'to guard or protect.' This Old English root highlights the long-standing human concern with safety and defense against dangers. Over time, the word has evolved in usage to encompass various meanings, including those found in magical and spiritual contexts where warding is often associated with protecting oneself from malevolent forces or influences. The concept of warding is deeply embedded in folklore and cultural traditions, where numerous rituals and symbols are employed to achieve a sense of security and safety. By the Middle Ages, 'ward' as a noun and verb began to appear in legal and social structures, particularly in reference to guarding over a child or an estate. Today, 'warding' retains this historical essence of protection and is used broadly in both practical and metaphorical contexts.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #27,698, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
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- 27695 cheddar
- 27696 gyroscope
- 27697 toiletries
- 27698 warding
- 27699 chatty
- 27700 unconverted
- 27701 doting
- ...