The phrase "spiriting away" refers to a sudden and secretive removal of a person, often against their will. The word "spiriting" is spelled with a consonant cluster of "sp" followed by a vowel sound "i". The next part of the word, "away", is spelled with the consonant cluster "w" followed by a diphthong "ai". The IPA phonetic transcription of "spiriting away" is /ˈspɪrətɪŋ əˈweɪ/, which shows the precise pronunciation of this phrase.
Spiriting away is a phrase that primarily refers to the act of clandestinely or forcefully taking someone, usually a child, without their consent or the knowledge of their guardians or family members. It originates from the term "spirit away," with "spirit" meaning to carry or move surreptitiously. This phrase is commonly used to describe the abduction or kidnapping of individuals, often away from their familiar surroundings, rendered helpless or defenseless against the perpetrators.
In a broader sense, "spiriting away" can also be used to describe the act of removing or hiding something or someone swiftly and secretively, thereby evading attention or capture. This can involve secretly relocating an object, person, or a whole group of people to an undisclosed location.
The term gained significant popularity and recognition due to the iconic animated film "Spirited Away," directed by Hayao Miyazaki. In the context of the film, "spiriting away" refers to the protagonist being taken to the spirit world against her will and subsequently navigating through various fantastical challenges.
Nonetheless, outside the context of the film, "spiriting away" typically carries negative connotations, as it implies an act of coercion, abduction, or illicit transportation. It is important to note that any form of abduction, particularly when it involves children, is considered a serious crime in most jurisdictions with severe legal consequences.
The phrase "spiriting away" originates from the verb "spirit", which has been derived from the Latin word "spiritus", meaning breath or spirit. In English, "spirit" has acquired various meanings over time, including referring to a supernatural or immaterial entity, a person's mood or character, or the principle of conscious life.
The phrase "spiriting away" specifically gained prominence due to its association with the 2001 Japanese animated film "Spirited Away", directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The film tells the story of a young girl named Chihiro who gets transported to a spirit world and must navigate her way back to the human world. The title "Spirited Away" is a translation of the original Japanese title, "Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi", where "kamikakushi" can be interpreted as "hidden by deities" or "spirited away".