What does seasick mean?
Seasick is an adjective describing the nausea or vomiting that some people and animals experience when the movement of a boat or other vehicle disturbs their balance. It is usually used predicatively, with phrases such as “feel seasick,” “get seasick,” and “become seasick,” while the related noun is seasickness. The condition is caused by conflicting sensory signals during travel, especially when waves, currents, or uneven motion make the visual horizon and the body’s sense of balance disagree. Seasickness is not restricted to any single English-speaking region, and its everyday use extends beyond ships to ferries, cars, aeroplanes, and amusement rides. The word is memorable because it names a very familiar travel problem while retaining a vivid connection with its literal marine setting.
adjectiveAffected with nausea or vomiting caused by the movement of a boat or other vehicle. In everyday use, it is commonly used as a predicate adjective describing a person or animal who feels ill during travel.
- Affected by nausea or vomiting caused by the motion of a boat or other vehicle.
"The child became seasick as the ferry began to roll in rough water."
"She felt seasick during the crossing and spent most of the journey lying down."
"Many small children and animals quickly become seasick on a ferry."
Seasick is one of the most instantly understood travel words: the sea may be calm, but the rolling of the boat can still turn a journey green.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does seasick come from?
“Seasick” is a compound formed from “sea” and “sick,” combining the setting in which the condition commonly occurs with the adjective describing how a person feels. The compound has been used since the early modern period, with the related form “seasickness” also long established. Its formation reflects the older sense of “sick” meaning unwell or physically distressed, while “sea” supplies the characteristic nautical context.
Related word forms
How seasick is actually used
Generally used of people or animals and normally functioning as a predicate adjective, as in “I get seasick.” It can also be used attributively, as in “a seasick passenger.” The related noun is “seasickness.”
Easily confused with seasick
“Sick” means ill in a general sense, whereas “seasick” specifically describes nausea caused by the motion of a boat or other vehicle.
“Seasickness” is the condition itself, while “seasick” is the adjective describing someone affected by that condition.