Bloodshot is a word that is commonly used to describe the appearance of eyes that are red and irritated. It is a condition that can be caused by a variety of factors such as lack of sleep, allergies, or an infection. In this article, we will explore the meaning and definition of bloodshot, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Bloodshot is defined as the appearance of redness in the whites of the eyes. It occurs when the small blood vessels on the surface of the eye become dilated and congested with blood. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors such as allergies, lack of sleep, eye strain, or an infection.
Origin
The word bloodshot has its roots in the Old English language. The word “blod” means blood and “sceotan” means to shoot or to dart. The term bloodshot was used to describe eyes that appeared as if they had been shot with blood.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bloodshot is defined as “having eyes that are red and irritated”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a condition in which the whites of the eyes appear red or pink due to the dilation of blood vessels”.
Associations
Bloodshot eyes are often associated with fatigue, lack of sleep, and excessive alcohol consumption. It is also a common symptom of allergies, eye infections, and eye strain. In some cases, bloodshot eyes can be a sign of a more serious medical condition such as glaucoma or uveitis.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bloodshot include red eyes, inflamed eyes, and irritated eyes.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of bloodshot. However, some words that are opposite in meaning include clear, bright, and healthy.
The same root words
Some words that share the same root words as bloodshot include bloodstained, bloodletting, and bloodshed.
Example Sentences
- After a night of partying, his eyes were bloodshot and tired.
- She had been working on her computer for hours, causing her eyes to become bloodshot.
- The doctor diagnosed her with conjunctivitis after noticing her bloodshot eyes.
- His bloodshot eyes were a sign that he had been crying.