Benight - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Benight means to overtake by darkness or ignorance, either literally or metaphorically. It can describe being stranded in the dark or becoming intellectually or morally unenlightened.
Definition:
To plunge into darkness or ignorance; to overtake by night.
Synonyms:
darken, obscure, bewilder, confuse
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
enlighten, illuminate
Common Collocations:
benighted traveler, benighted mind, benighted soul
Derivatives:
benightedly, benightedness
Usage Tips:
Use "benight" to describe someone or something overwhelmed by darkness or ignorance, often metaphorically.
Common Phrases:
benighted age, benighted land, benighted wanderer
Etymology:
From Old English "be-" (thoroughly) + "niht" (night), meaning to envelop in darkness.
Examples:
- 1. The storm benighted the hikers before they reached shelter.
- 2. Without education, many remain benighted about global issues.
- 3. The village was benighted by frequent power outages.
- 4. His stubbornness left him benighted in outdated beliefs.