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.

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