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Becalmed - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Becalmed describes a ship unable to move due to lack of wind. It can also refer to a person or situation feeling stuck or inactive, often from a lack of progress or energy.

becalmed

/bɪˈkɑmd/ /bɪˈkɑːmd/

Definition:

Rendered motionless due to lack of wind, often describing a sailing vessel.

Synonyms:

stalled, motionless, idle, stuck

Part of Speech:

adjective, verb (past participle)

Antonyms:

moving, active

Common Collocations:

becalmed ship, becalmed sea, becalmed waters

Derivatives:

becalm, becalming

Usage Tips:

Use "becalmed" to describe a ship unable to move because of no wind; can also metaphorically describe inactivity.

Common Phrases:

becalmed in the doldrums, becalmed and helpless

Etymology:

From "be-" (thoroughly) + "calm," originating in the 16th century for ships deprived of wind.

Examples:

  • 1. The ship was becalmed for days under the scorching sun.
  • 2. Without wind, the sailors grew anxious as their vessel remained becalmed.
  • 3. The yacht lay becalmed on the glassy sea at dawn.
  • 4. Metaphorically, his creativity felt becalmed during the long winter months.

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