wound
wound Lexical Profile
wound Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An injury to living tissue caused by a cut, blow, or other physical impact, typically one in which the skin is cut or broken.
"The nurse cleaned the deep wound on his knee and applied a sterile bandage."
An emotional pain, psychological trauma, or lasting offense to a person's feelings or reputation.
"Years of honest communication eventually helped heal the emotional wounds between the two siblings."
• verb
To inflict a physical injury on someone or an animal, especially one that breaks or pierces the skin.
"A falling branch during the windstorm wounded the hiker's shoulder."
To cause emotional distress, offense, or psychological pain to someone's feelings or pride.
"The harsh and unexpected criticism deeply wounded the young artist's pride."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Wound' is a heteronym: when pronounced /wuːnd/, it refers to an injury (noun or base verb); when pronounced /waʊnd/, it functions as the past tense and past participle of the verb 'wind' (meaning to twist or coil).
• Rhymes for wound
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'wund' (injury, hurt, ulcer), derived from Proto-Germanic *wundō. The homographic past tense form derives separately from Old English 'wand' and 'wunden', forms of 'windan' (to twist or turn).