Wracked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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wracked
[rækd ]
Definitions
emotional distress
Wracked refers to being in a state of severe emotional pain or turmoil. It often indicates an intense suffering that affects mental health and wellbeing.
Synonyms
afflicted, agitated, distressed, tormented.
Examples of usage
- She was wracked with guilt after the accident.
- He sat there, wracked by fear of the unknown.
- After the breakup, he felt wracked with sadness.
- The news left her wracked with anxiety.
physical pain
Wracked can also imply being affected by intense physical pain or distress. It may be used to describe someone's debilitating experience with an illness or injury.
Synonyms
agonized, racked, suffering, tortured.
Examples of usage
- He was wracked with pain after the surgery.
- The fever left her wracked and exhausted.
- The athlete was wracked with cramps during the match.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'wracked'
The word 'wracked' comes from the Old English term 'wracan', which meant to drive out or to avenge. Over time, the meaning evolved, becoming associated with physical distress or emotional suffering. The variant 'rack' originally referred to a framework or device used for torture, emphasizing the intense suffering one might feel. Thus, 'wracked' developed a strong connotation of pain, anguish, and distress, signifying a condition of being overwhelmed by negative emotions or sensations. The term began to appear in literature around the 13th century, frequently utilized in contexts of grief and affliction, cementing its place in English as a powerful descriptor of suffering.