Zombified: meaning, definitions and examples

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zombified

 

[ˈzɒmbɪfaɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

being turned into a zombie

Transformed into a zombie-like state, often due to a virus or other supernatural means. The zombified person loses their sense of self and becomes focused solely on consuming flesh. This term is commonly used in horror movies and video games.

Synonyms

transformed, turned into a zombie, zombie-like.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
zombified

Typically used to describe someone who appears lifeless or acts mechanically, possibly due to exhaustion, monotony, or external control. It can be used both literally and metaphorically.

  • After the long shift, he felt completely zombified.
  • The endless routine had left her zombified.
transformed

Suitable for describing a complete change or metamorphosis, either positive or negative. This word has a broad application beyond just turning into a zombie.

  • The caterpillar transformed into a beautiful butterfly.
  • His attitude transformed after receiving the good news.
turned into a zombie

This is more literal and often used in contexts involving actual zombies, be it in fiction or exaggerated descriptions. It suggests a drastic change, usually with a negative connotation.

  • In the horror movie, the character turned into a zombie after being bitten.
  • After working all night, she felt like she had turned into a zombie.
zombie-like

Describing someone or something that resembles a zombie in appearance or behavior. Often used metaphorically to imply sluggishness or lifelessness without implying a complete transformation.

  • He moved in a zombie-like manner after the long flight.
  • The workers had a zombie-like expression due to fatigue.

Examples of usage

  • The once peaceful town was now filled with zombified creatures roaming the streets.
  • After being bitten by the infected animal, he slowly started to feel his body zombified.
  • The zombified victims were mindlessly wandering around, searching for their next meal.
Context #2 | Adjective

appearing or behaving like a zombie

Having the characteristics or appearance of a zombie. This can refer to someone who looks extremely tired, pale, and emotionless, resembling the undead creatures from horror stories. The term is often used humorously or metaphorically.

Synonyms

exhausted, lifeless, pale.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
zombified

Use when someone's physical or mental state resembles that of a zombie, often due to fatigue or a lack of sleep. This term can have a slightly humorous or exaggerated connotation.

  • After staying up all night studying, I felt completely zombified the next day.
  • She's been so zombified since she started her new job that I've barely seen her smile.
pale

Use to describe someone who looks unusually white or light-skinned, often due to sickness, shock, or tiredness. This term focuses more on appearance rather than energy levels.

  • He turned pale when he heard the terrible news.
  • After being sick for a week, she looked very pale.
exhausted

Use in a general context to describe someone who is extremely tired from physical or mental exertion. This is a neutral term.

  • He was exhausted after running the marathon.
  • By the end of the week, I often feel exhausted from work.
lifeless

Use to describe something or someone that lacks energy, vitality, or enthusiasm. It can also be applied to objects or situations and has a somewhat negative connotation.

  • The party was so dull; it was completely lifeless.
  • Her voice sounded lifeless when she delivered the bad news.

Examples of usage

  • She stumbled into the office looking completely zombified after pulling an all-nighter.
  • His zombified expression made it clear that he had not slept well in days.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'zombie' has roots in Haitian Vodou, where it originally described a person supposedly brought back from the dead by magic.
  • The word 'zombified' likely emerged in the 20th century, coinciding with the rise of zombie films and popular culture.
  • As the zombie genre evolved, so did the meaning of 'zombified,' shifting from folklore to a term describing people in a lethargic state.

Pop Culture

  • The 1968 film 'Night of the Living Dead' popularized the modern concept of zombies as flesh-eating monsters.
  • Video games like 'Resident Evil' and 'The Walking Dead' expanded the idea of being 'zombified' to include themes of infection and survival.
  • The phrase 'zombie apocalypse' indicates a cultural fascination with the end of the world being caused by these creatures, often linked to feelings of helplessness and societal breakdown.

Psychology

  • In psychology, being 'zombified' can refer to states of mind where individuals feel disconnected or lack awareness, often linked with depression or anxiety.
  • The social media era has given rise to the idea of being 'zombified' by technology, where people are so absorbed in screens that they become oblivious to their surroundings.
  • Research suggests a phenomenon termed the 'zombie effect,' where people can perform tasks without conscious thought, similar to zombie-like behavior.

Literature

  • In classical literature, metamorphosis often reflects themes of losing one's humanity, much like being 'zombified.'
  • Modern works like 'World War Z' explore the existential dread associated with becoming a zombie, reflecting societal fears.
  • The metaphorical use of 'zombified' appears frequently in dystopian novels, symbolizing the loss of individuality in the face of societal pressures.

Technology

  • In tech circles, 'zombified' can describe devices that have been compromised or taken over by malware, operating without user consent.
  • The discussion of 'zombified' machines highlights concerns about automation where machines perform tasks without human oversight.
  • The concept of 'zombie computers' refers to devices that are infected and used for malicious purposes without their owners' knowledge.

Translations

Translations of the word "zombified" in other languages:

🇵🇹 zumbificado

🇮🇳 ज़ॉम्बीफाइड

🇩🇪 verzombifiziert

🇮🇩 terzombifikasi

🇺🇦 зомбіфікований

🇵🇱 zombifikowany

🇯🇵 ゾンビ化した

🇫🇷 zombifié

🇪🇸 zombificado

🇹🇷 zombileşmiş

🇰🇷 좀비화된

🇸🇦 متحول إلى زومبي

🇨🇿 zombifikovaný

🇸🇰 zombifikovaný

🇨🇳 僵尸化的

🇸🇮 zombificiran

🇮🇸 zombí

🇰🇿 зомбиленген

🇬🇪 ზომბიფიცირებული

🇦🇿 zombiləşmiş

🇲🇽 zombificado