What does surfeiting mean?
Surfeiting refers to a state of being excessively indulgent or overindulgent, often in a way that is considered excessive or immoderate. This can involve excessive consumption of food or drink, or a general attitude of self-indulgence. The word is often used to describe a sense of moral or social decay, and is associated with a range of negative connotations. In modern usage, surfeiting is often used to describe a state of being overly indulgent or self-indulgent, particularly in the context of food or drink. It can also be used to describe a sense of excess or immoderation, particularly in the context of social or moral issues. The word has a long history, dating back to the 15th century, and has been used in a range of contexts, including literature and politics. Despite its negative connotations, surfeiting remains a useful word for describing a range of excessive or immoderate behaviors.
nounA state of being excessively indulgent or overindulgent, often in a way that is considered excessive or immoderate.
- A state of being excessively indulgent or overindulgent, often in a way that is considered excessive or immoderate.
"The king's surfeiting at the banquet was a subject of gossip among the courtiers."
"The king's surfeiting at the banquet was a subject of gossip among the courtiers."
"The surfeiting of the rich at the expense of the poor was a major social issue."
The plural form of surfeiting is used to describe multiple instances of excessive or immoderate behavior.
"The surfeitings of the rich at the expense of the poor were a major social issue."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of surfeiting
The word surfeiting is derived from the Middle English word 'surfe', which means 'to be excessively indulgent' or 'to overindulge'. This word is itself derived from the Old French word 'surfeir', which means 'to be excessively full' or 'to be overindulged'. The word has a long history, dating back to the 15th century, and has been used in a range of contexts, including literature and politics. Despite its negative connotations, surfeiting remains a useful word for describing a range of excessive or immoderate behaviors.
How surfeiting is actually used
Surfeiting is often used to describe excessive or immoderate behavior, particularly in the context of food or drink. It can also be used to describe a state of being overly indulgent or self-indulgent. The word is often associated with a sense of moral or social decay.