What does seasickness mean?
Seasickness is nausea and dizziness caused by the movement of a boat or by the sensory sensation of being at sea. It may also involve vomiting, abdominal discomfort, sweating, and a general feeling of illness. The condition commonly occurs when a person's balance system and visual senses receive conflicting signals, as can happen during rough or irregularly moving voyages. The term is especially associated with passenger ships and ferries, though it also applies to sailors and to people aboard a vessel on calm water. It should not be confused with the broader term “motion sickness,” which covers reactions to any form of vehicle movement, including cars, trains, aircraft, and amusement rides. “Mal de mer,” borrowed from French, is a familiar alternative often used for the condition at sea.
nounA feeling of nausea and dizziness caused by the motion of a boat or other vehicle, especially at sea.
- The nausea, dizziness, and sometimes vomiting experienced in response to the movement of a boat or the sensation of being at sea.
"She took the antihistamine before the cruise because she is prone to seasickness."
"A steady horizon and fresh air relieved his seasickness within an hour."
"The ferry operator recommends taking motion-sickness medicine if you are prone to seasickness."
Seasickness has always been an unwanted passenger: for centuries, sailors treated it with ginger, herbs, and other uncertain remedies.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does seasickness come from?
“Seasickness” is a modern compound of “sea” and “sickness.” The suffix-like element “sickness” continues Old English “sickness,” related to “sick,” while “sea” comes through Middle English from Old English “sæ.” The compound follows the long-established English pattern of forming words that specify the setting or source of an illness or condition.
How seasickness is actually used
Usually an uncountable noun. It is commonly used with phrases such as “suffer from” or “be prone to”; “get” is also common in informal speech.
Easily confused with seasickness
Motion sickness is the general condition caused by motion in any vehicle, whereas seasickness refers specifically to the form associated with boats or sea travel.