vertigo
vertigo
UK[ˈvɜːtɪɡəʊ]US[ˈvɜːrtɪɡoʊ]
n
a feeling of dizziness and loss of balance, often caused by looking down from a great height or by disease affecting the inner ear.
n
a state of confusion or disorientation.
Morpheme Breakdown
vert
igo
vert
turn
igo
noun suffix
Etymology
the word vertigo entered english in the early 15th century from latin, where 'vertigo' meant 'a whirling, a spinning'. this latin term is derived from the verb 'vertere', meaning 'to turn'. the core semantic link is the sensation of the world seeming to turn or spin around a person. the concept evolved from the literal physical action of turning to describe the abstract medical and psychological condition of dizziness and disorientation.
Analysis
Structure: vert (turn) + igo (noun suffix)
vert originates from latin 'vertere', meaning 'to turn'. igo is a latin noun-forming suffix indicating a state or condition.
Examples
the view from the cliff edge gave him a sudden attack of vertigo.
she experienced vertigo and nausea from the inner ear infection.
the rapid changes in the company's direction created a sense of vertigo among the staff.