What does hemorrhage mean?
A hemorrhage is a loss of blood caused by the rupture or serious injury of a blood vessel. The term may describe bleeding anywhere in the body, including an internal hemorrhage, a brain hemorrhage, or severe bleeding after childbirth. Hemorrhage can also function as a verb: a wound or vessel “hemorrhages” when it releases blood, especially rapidly or uncontrollably. The word has a strongly medical and often alarming connotation, so it is usually reserved for significant bleeding rather than ordinary minor bleeding. In formal writing, it can sometimes be used metaphorically for an overwhelming flow of something, such as data or words, though that usage is less central. Its name comes from Greek roots meaning “blood” and “flow,” accurately reflecting the movement of blood outside a vessel.
The escape of blood from a damaged or ruptured blood vessel, especially when the bleeding is severe.
"The patient died from an internal hemorrhage despite emergency treatment."
A formal medical term, often used with an anatomical location or type, as in “brain hemorrhage” or “postpartum hemorrhage.”
To bleed, especially heavily or uncontrollably from a wound or damaged blood vessel.
"The wound began to hemorrhage again after the patient was moved."
The verb is less common than the noun and is chiefly used in medical or formal contexts.
The plural is used when referring to separate bleeding events, injuries, or cases.
"Doctors treated several severe hemorrhages caused by the accident."
The word literally means “blood flow”: it comes from Greek words for blood and flow, a fitting origin for a condition defined by the loss of blood from its proper vessel.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hemorrhage come from?
Hemorrhage entered English in the early 17th century from Latin haemorrhagia, a medical term derived from Greek haimorragia. The Greek formation combines haima, meaning “blood,” with rhein, meaning “to flow.” Related English words such as anemia, hemophilia, hematology, and hem reflect the same Greek root for blood.
Related word forms
How hemorrhage is actually used
This is primarily a medical term and is more common in formal and clinical contexts than in everyday speech. The spelling “haemorrhage” is also widely used in British English, while “hemorrhage” is standard in American English.
Easily confused with hemorrhage
Hemorrhage is the bleeding itself, while hemophilia is an inherited blood-clotting disorder that can cause prolonged bleeding.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal area, whereas a hemorrhage is bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel.