CATCH COLD Meaning and
Definition
-
The phrase "catch cold" refers to the act of becoming infected with an illness, typically characterized by symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, and general malaise, caused by exposure to cold temperatures or a virus. When an individual "catches cold," they contract a respiratory infection, specifically the common cold.
This expression implies that an individual has involuntarily acquired the cold, highlighting the notion that catching the illness is commonly associated with inadvertent exposure rather than a deliberate act. It suggests that the person has inadvertently become susceptible to the virus or that their immune system has been compromised.
"Catching cold" often occurs in environments where individuals are in close proximity to others, such as schools, offices, public transportation, or crowded places. The common cold is highly contagious and can be transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Transmission can also occur through touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then touching the nose, mouth, or eyes.
The phrase is idiomatic, meaning that it is not meant to be taken literally. It serves as a colloquial way to describe the process of becoming infected with a cold, attributing it to the sudden onset or exposure to unfavorable conditions.
Common Misspellings for CATCH COLD
- xatch cold
- vatch cold
- fatch cold
- datch cold
- cztch cold
- cstch cold
- cwtch cold
- cqtch cold
- carch cold
- cafch cold
- cagch cold
- caych cold
- ca6ch cold
- ca5ch cold
- catxh cold
- catvh cold
- catfh cold
- catdh cold
- catcg cold
Etymology of CATCH COLD
The etymology of the phrase "catch cold" can be traced back to the Middle Ages when illness was often believed to be caused by supernatural forces or imbalances in the body. The word "catch" originally meant "to seize or snatch", while "cold" referred to a physical condition. Combining these two words, "catch cold" metaphorically suggests that one "seizes" or acquires the condition of a cold, implying that one becomes affected by it suddenly. Over time, the phrase evolved and became commonly used to describe contracting a respiratory infection.
Idioms with the word CATCH COLD
-
catch a cold (or catch cold)
To become infected with a cold virus and develop symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, and cough.
-
catch cold
The idiom "catch cold" means to become ill with a cold or to contract a cold virus.
Similar spelling word for CATCH COLD
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
