Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!) Easter eggs (New!)

Literary notes about sick (AI summary)

The term “sick” assumes manifold roles in literature, functioning both as a descriptor of physical ailment and a metaphor for moral or emotional malaise. In some texts, it straightforwardly denotes illness or infirmity, as when characters are described lying in beds or confined by their symptoms ([1], [2], [3]). In others, it conveys a deeper metaphorical decay or disgust—for instance, indicating a state of moral corruption or disillusionment ([4], [5], [6]). At times, the word extends even to describe an adverse state within society or nature, as seen in descriptions of a pessimistic world or a weary spirit ([7], [8], [9]). This versatility illustrates how the same word can evoke different layers of meaning depending on context and intent, enriching the literary tapestry with both literal and symbolic significance ([10], [11]).
  1. And heal the sick that are therein and say to them: The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  2. “Are you sick then?” demanded Marilla anxiously, going over to the bed.
    — from Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
  3. And he could not do any miracles there, only that he cured a few that were sick, laying his hands upon them.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  4. —The criminal type is the type of the strong man amid unfavourable conditions, a strong man made sick.
    — from The Twilight of the Idols; or, How to Philosophize with the Hammer. The Antichrist by Nietzsche
  5. Let me tell you for my part that I am sick of this.
    — from Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
  6. Excuse my brutality, but I am quite sick of it!”
    — from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
  7. The world's heart is palsied, sick: how can any limb of it be whole?
    — from On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History by Thomas Carlyle
  8. I waited with a sick feeling of suspense.
    — from Dracula by Bram Stoker
  9. For this relief much thanks: 'tis bitter cold, And I am sick at heart.
    — from The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 8 of 9] by William Shakespeare
  10. During this last voyage I had no commerce with the master or any of his men; but, pretending I was sick, kept close in my cabin.
    — from Gulliver's Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World by Jonathan Swift
  11. I don’t know exactly what’s the matter with him; but he keeps close inside the house; a sort of sick, and yet he don’t look so.
    — from Moby Dick; Or, The Whale by Herman Melville

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux