Harrow
Verb
Definition: To distress; create stress or torment.
Synonyms: Torment, Afflict, Trouble
Antonyms: Comfort, Soothe, Relieve
Examples:
- The tragic news harrowed his soul.
- The memories of the accident harrowed her mind.
Mnemonics:
- Imagine a farmer using a harrow to distress the soil before planting seeds. Similarly, harrow can distress or torment one's emotions or thoughts.
Etymology:
Origin:
Old English 'heargian', from 'hearg', meaning "enclosure, temple".
Historical Usage:Originally referred to the act of worshipping in a heathen temple, but evolved to mean to torment or distress.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Harrowing experience"
Explanation:A deeply distressing or traumatic experience.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Confusing 'harrow' (verb) with 'harrow' (noun).
Explanation:'Harrow' can be both a verb and a noun with different meanings.