The word "harrowed" is spelled with two Rs and one W. Its phonetic transcription is /ˈhæroʊd/. The first two letters, "ha", represent the /h/ sound, followed by the /æ/ vowel sound. The letter R is pronounced with a rolling sound in the middle of the word, and the /oʊ/ diphthong is followed by the letter W, which represents the /w/ sound. This word refers to the process of plowing a field with a harrow, leaving it clean and smooth for planting.
Harrowed is an adjective that describes a person's state of extreme distress or emotional anguish. It is derived from the word "harrow," which refers to a heavy farming implement with sharp teeth or blades used to break up the soil or to level it for planting.
In a figurative sense, to be harrowed means to be deeply troubled, tormented, or mentally anguished. It signifies a state of intense emotional or psychological pain. A harrowed individual often experiences profound grief, sorrow, or a deep sense of regret, which can stem from a variety of factors such as personal loss, trauma, or witnessing tragic events.
Harrowed individuals may exhibit symptoms of depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. They might display visible signs of distress, such as a loss of appetite, disturbed sleep patterns, or a marked decline in overall well-being. The term harrowed can also be used to describe a scene, narrative, or work of art that evokes a strong sense of emotional distress or poignancy.
Overall, harrowed conveys a powerful and evocative emotional state, manifesting through a person's deep suffering and torment. It captures the essence of profound sorrow or mental anguish that can leave a lasting impact on an individual's well-being and emotional stability.
Distressed.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "harrowed" is derived from the Old English verb "hergian" or "hiergian", which means to harrow. In turn, this Old English word derives from the Proto-Germanic word "hazgōną", which means to drag or to draw a harrow over the ground. The term "harrow" originally referred to the agricultural implement consisting of a heavy frame with spikes or disks that was dragged over plowed land to break up clods, remove weeds, and smooth the soil in preparation for planting. Over time, the word "harrowed" came to be used metaphorically to describe someone who is distressed, tormented, or deeply disturbed, drawing on the imagery of the harrowing process in agriculture.