Wound Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wound

[wuหnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

An injury to living tissue caused by a cut, blow, or other impact, typically one in which the skin is cut or broken.

Synonyms

injury, lesion, trauma.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wound

This term is often used to describe a cut or break in the skin, typically caused by a sharp object or external force. It can also be used metaphorically to describe emotional pain.

  • He received a deep wound on his arm from the knife.
  • She has an emotional wound from her past experiences.
injury

This term is broad and can refer to any physical harm to the body, usually caused by an accident or impact. It can encompass wounds, fractures, burns, etc.

  • The athlete suffered a knee injury during the game.
  • She has a minor injury on her forehead.
lesion

This term is mostly used in medical contexts to describe damage or abnormality in tissue, usually inside the body. Lesions can be the result of disease or trauma.

  • The MRI revealed a lesion in the brain.
  • He has a skin lesion that needs to be examined by a dermatologist.
trauma

This term refers to severe bodily or emotional shock caused by an injury or extremely distressing experience. It often implies long-term impact.

  • The car accident was a major trauma for him.
  • She experienced emotional trauma after the disaster.

Examples of usage

  • He died of his wounds.
  • She suffered severe head wounds in the accident.
Context #2 | Verb

medical

Cause an injury to (living tissue) by a cut, blow, or other impact.

Synonyms

damage, harm, injure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wound

Refers to a physical injury, usually involving a cut or break in the skin. It can also be used metaphorically to describe emotional pain.

  • The soldier had a severe wound on his leg.
  • Her harsh words left a deep wound in his heart.
injure

Typically used to describe physical harm caused to a person or animal. It implies a mishap or accident.

  • He injured his knee while playing football.
  • The dog was injured in the car accident.
harm

A general term for causing injury, damage, or negative effects on someone or something. It can refer to both physical and emotional pain.

  • Smoking can cause serious harm to your health.
  • The scandal did a lot of harm to the company's image.
damage

Commonly used to refer to the harm caused to objects, infrastructure, or reputation. It's not typically used for living beings.

  • The storm caused significant damage to the buildings.
  • His careless actions have done irreparable damage to his reputation.

Examples of usage

  • He was badly wounded in the attack.
  • The animal was wounded by a hunter.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Medicine

  • Proper cleaning and dressing are vital for wounds to prevent infection and promote healing.
  • Deep wounds may require stitches, which help bring the edges of the skin together for better recovery.
  • A wound's healing process goes through several stages: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling.

Psychology

  • Emotional wounds can take longer to heal than physical injuries and may require support, such as counseling.
  • The concept of 'emotional wounds' reflects the impact of trauma on mental health and behavior.
  • Many coping strategies can help heal emotional wounds, including talking about feelings and practicing self-care.

Pop Culture

  • Many songs and movies explore the theme of healing from emotional wounds, emphasizing resilience.
  • In literature, characters often face and overcome both physical and emotional wounds, showcasing personal growth.
  • The phrase 'wounded pride' describes a type of emotional hurt often depicted in stories involving honor and conflict.

History

  • Throughout history, battlefield medicine has advanced significantly, changing how wounds are treated in war.
  • In ancient times, herbal remedies were commonly used to treat wounds before modern medicine emerged.
  • The study of wounds and their healing has also shaped advancements in surgical practices over time.

Origin of 'wound'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'wound' comes from the Old English word 'wund,' which means 'to injure.'
  • Wounded can also refer to past tense, as in something that has already been hurt.
  • In different contexts, the same word can describe both a physical injury and emotional pain.

The word 'wound' has roots in Old English and Middle English, coming from the Proto-Germanic word 'wundล'. It has been used in English to refer to injuries since the early days of the language, evolving in meaning over time to encompass both physical and emotional harm.


See also: unwound, wounded, wounding.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,228, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.