WASTED AWAY Meaning and
Definition
-
The expression "wasted away" refers to the gradual and significant decline of one's physical or mental health over a period of time. It denotes a state where an individual becomes progressively weaker, thinner, or less capable due to a range of factors, such as illness, malnutrition, substance abuse, or chronic stress. The term encapsulates the notion of an individual deteriorating or diminishing in vitality, often leading to a frail and emaciated appearance.
In a physical sense, "wasted away" typically implies a loss of muscle mass and body fat, resulting in a gaunt and skeletal appearance. This may be caused by conditions such as advanced stages of cancer, HIV/AIDS, eating disorders, or prolonged malnourishment. By extension, the phrase can also describe the consequences of substance abuse, whereby excessive drug or alcohol consumption adversely affects an individual's physical well-being, leading to wasting away.
However, "wasted away" can also encompass mental and emotional decline. It may refer to someone experiencing severe psychological distress or mental illness, resulting in a palpable deterioration in their mental state over time. This may manifest as symptoms of depression, anxiety, or psychosis, causing the individual to appear as though they are "wasting away" mentally.
Overall, "wasted away" encapsulates a state of progressive decline, indicating the degeneration of one's physical or mental health through various contributing factors, leading to a noticeable deterioration in appearance and overall well-being.
Common Misspellings for WASTED AWAY
Etymology of WASTED AWAY
The phrase "wasted away" is a combination of two words: "wasted" and "away". Let's examine their etymologies separately:
1. Wasted: The term "wasted" originated from the Middle English word "wasten", which means to destroy or lay waste to something. It can be traced back to the Old Norse word "væsta", meaning to devastate or desolate, or the Old French word "gaster", meaning to ruin or terrorize. Over time, "wasted" came to be used to describe someone who has become thin, weak, or emaciated, often due to illness, lack of nourishment, or excessive indulgence in harmful behavior.
2. Away: The word "away" is derived from Old English, where it was spelled "onweg".
