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exhaustion

UK[ɪɡˈzɔːstʃən]US[ɪɡˈzɔːstʃən]
n

a state of extreme physical or mental tiredness.

n

the action of using something up or the state of being used up completely.

Morpheme Breakdown

ex
haust
ion
ex

out, thoroughly

haust

to draw, drain

ion

Etymology

the word 'exhaustion' traces its lineage directly to latin. it is built upon the verb 'exhaurire', which combines the prefix 'ex-' (meaning "out") with 'haurire' (meaning "to draw, as water"). the literal sense was "to draw out or drain completely," as in emptying a well or a purse. this concrete meaning of total depletion evolved logically into the modern abstract senses. the suffix '-ion' was added to form a noun describing the process or resulting state, giving us the current meanings of being completely drained of energy or resources.

Analysis

Structure: ex + haust + ion ex- (latin origin, a prefix meaning "out, thoroughly") haust (latin origin, from the root of 'haurire', meaning "to draw, drain") -ion (latin origin, a noun-forming suffix indicating an action, process, or state)

Examples

she collapsed from sheer exhaustion after running the marathon.

the long drought led to the exhaustion of the village's water supply.

emotional exhaustion is a common symptom among healthcare workers.

exhaustion – Meaning, Etymology & Word Origin | OpenEtymology