Ahull is a word that is not commonly used in everyday language, but it has a specific meaning that is worth exploring. In this article, we will define and explore the meaning of ahull, its origin, and its associations. We will also look at synonyms and antonyms of ahull, as well as other words that share the same root.
Definitions
Ahull is an adjective that describes a ship that is drifting without any sails or power. It can also refer to a boat that is lying on its side, with its sails furled or taken down. In both cases, the ship or boat is at the mercy of the wind and the waves, with no control over its direction or speed.
Origin
The word ahull comes from the nautical term “hull,” which refers to the main body of a ship or boat. The prefix “a-” is a negation, meaning “without” or “not.” Therefore, ahull means “without hull,” or “without the main body of the ship.”
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, ahull means “with sails furled and helm lashed to leeward.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “lying with the sails furled and the helm lashed to leeward.” In both cases, the definition refers to a ship or boat that is drifting without any control over its movement.
Associations
Ahull is often associated with a sense of helplessness, as the ship or boat is at the mercy of the wind and the waves. It can also be associated with danger, as a ship that is ahull is more vulnerable to being damaged or capsized by strong winds or waves.
Synonyms
Synonyms of ahull include adrift, drifting, and at the mercy of the elements. These words all describe a lack of control over the movement of a ship or boat.
Antonyms
Antonyms of ahull include under sail, powered, and in control. These words describe a ship or boat that is actively moving and has control over its direction and speed.
The same root words
The root word of ahull is “hull,” which refers to the main body of a ship or boat. Other words that share this root include hullabaloo (a noisy commotion), huller (a machine that removes the hulls from grains), and hulling (the process of removing the hulls from grains).
Example Sentences
- The ship was ahull, drifting aimlessly in the middle of the ocean.
- The sailors were stranded, with their boat ahull and no way to steer it.
- The storm was so strong that the ship was forced to go ahull to avoid capsizing.
- The captain ordered the crew to lash the helm to leeward and go ahull until the storm passed.
- The boat was ahull, with its sails furled and its crew waiting for a tow back to shore.