Winded: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'winded' comes from the Old English 'windan', meaning to twist or turn, which relates to how breath can be affected by physical activity.
• 'Winded' has roots in the Middle English 'wyn', which refers to air or breath.
• In certain contexts, 'winded' can also refer to something being twisted or turned, similar to a deep breath being taken.

Biology

• Breathlessness often occurs when the body requires more oxygen during vigorous activity, leading to a feeling of being 'winded'.
• The body's response includes an increase in heart rate and deeper breathing to supply muscles with adequate oxygen.
• Physical fitness affects how quickly someone becomes winded – trained athletes typically recover faster than beginners.

Sports

• In combat sports, a competitor can become winded from receiving a powerful blow to the stomach, leading to temporary breathlessness.
• Winded athletes often take a moment to slow their breathing, allowing them to continue with improved stamina.
• Coaches emphasize conditioning to help athletes manage their physical exertion levels to avoid getting winded too quickly.

Psychology

• The experience of feeling winded can trigger anxiety in some individuals, especially if they equate breathlessness with danger.
• Training in breath control techniques, such as mindfulness or yoga, can help manage the sensations of being winded.
• Understanding the body's responses during exertion can empower individuals to push past the feeling of being winded.

Literature

• In literature, characters experiencing being 'winded' often reflect on challenges or obstacles they’ve faced, symbolizing struggle.
• Poets often paint vivid imagery of breathlessness to convey strong emotions or moments of realization during intense experiences.
• In narratives, the moment of becoming winded can signify a turning point for character growth or a moment for reflection.

Positioned at #23,197, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

• ...
• 23194 horrendous
• 23195 recursion
• 23196 extrapolate
• 23197 winded
• 23198 ergo
• 23199 structuralist
• 23200 boned
• ...