Winded Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ
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winded

[หˆwษชndษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

physical condition

Winded refers to a state of breathlessness typically due to exertion or fatigue. It is commonly used to describe the feeling one experiences after intense physical activity, such as running or climbing. Being winded often results in difficulty catching one's breath, but it usually resolves quickly with rest. This term can also be applied in a figurative sense to describe someone who is overwhelmed by emotions or experiences.

Synonyms

breathless, out of breath, panting, wrecked.

Examples of usage

  • After the sprint, I was completely winded.
  • He was so winded that he could barely talk.
  • Climbing up that hill left me feeling winded.
  • The intense workout left everyone in the class winded.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

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 โ€“ 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 theyโ€™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.

Origin of 'winded'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The term 'winded' has its roots in Old English, with the word 'windian' meaning 'to wind' or 'to twist'. Historically, this referred to the physical twisting or turning nature of breathing, as well as the control of one's breath during strenuous activities. The verb evolved over time, and the adjective 'winded' emerged in the English language to describe the state of breathlessness associated with physical exertion. In literature and folklore, descriptions of windedness often conveyed not just physical fatigue but also a sense of emotional overwhelm. By the 19th century, the term became more prevalent in everyday language, particularly in sports and physical education, where understanding the limits of physical endurance was essential. Today, 'winded' is widely recognized and used in both casual and formal contexts to describe a common human experience related to exertion.


Word Frequency Rank

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.