HARPOONED Meaning and
Definition
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Harpooned is a verb that describes the act of impaling or piercing with a harpoon, a type of spear-like weapon typically used for hunting or fishing in open waters. The word "harpoon" refers to a weapon with a long shaft, typically made of wood or metal, featuring a sharp, barbed point at one end and a rope or line attached to the other end. This line serves to tether the harpoon to the hunter or vessel, allowing them to reel in the captured prey.
In a literal sense, harpooning is commonly associated with whaling, where hunters launch harpoons from boats or ships to strike and capture targeted whales. The sharp point of the harpoon penetrates the whale's flesh, anchoring it to the line and preventing it from escaping. The line is then tensioned, often causing the whale to be dragged closer to the hunter's vessel for further processing.
In a figurative sense, the term "harpooned" can be used metaphorically to describe the act of forcefully or relentlessly targeting someone or something. It suggests a deliberate and intense focus on capturing or overcoming a particular objective or individual. This can apply to various situations, such as journalism describing a critical investigation into a controversial issue, or in sports when a team or player is aggressively pursued or pressured by opponents. The term "harpooned" conveys a sense of direct, forceful action aimed at capturing or subduing a target.
Common Misspellings for HARPOONED
Etymology of HARPOONED
The word "harpooned" originated from the noun "harpoon". The noun "harpoon" comes from the French word "harpon", which can be traced back to the Old French "harpoun", meaning a type of arrow or a spearhead used for fishing. The Old French term is derived from the Old Frankish "harpuna" or "harpno", which ultimately comes from the Proto-Germanic word "*harpōną", meaning "hook". So, "harpooned" essentially means to be pierced or impaled by a harpoon, which is a weapon or tool designed for hunting or fishing.
Similar spelling words for HARPOONED
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