What does BLEED mean?

bleed Parts of Speech

verb

Definitions

1. to lose blood from the body due to injury or illness.
2. to draw blood from a person or animal for medical purposes.
3. to release liquid or gas from a container or system.
4. to suffer emotionally or financially.
5. to cause someone to suffer emotionally or financially.

Pronunciations

• US: /bliːd/
• UK: /bliːd/

Origin and Usage

The word "bleed" comes from the Old English word "blēdan" which means "to emit blood." It has been used in English since the 12th century. Originally, it was used only to refer to the act of losing blood due to injury or illness. Over time, it came to be used more broadly to refer to the release of any liquid or gas from a container or system. It is also used metaphorically to refer to emotional or financial suffering.

Synonyms

• hemorrhage
• flow
• drain
• leak
• weep

Related Words

• blaze
• breed
• blend
• blade
• blind

Example Sentences

1. She cut her hand and began to bleed profusely.
2. The nurse had to bleed the patient to get a blood sample.
3. The plumber had to bleed the air out of the heating system.
4. She bled financially after investing in a failed business.
5. The companys new policy will bleed its employees of their benefits.