TURNS PALE Meaning and
Definition
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The expression "turns pale" is used to describe a physical reaction, primarily seen in people's faces, when they unexpectedly lose color due to shock, fear, illness, or distress. It refers to the moment when an individual's complexion changes from its regular hue to a noticeably lighter or whiter shade, often resembling the color of a person lacking blood circulation. This phrase is rooted in the physiological response of the body, leading to a temporary alteration in skin tone.
When someone "turns pale," it signifies an abrupt shift in their emotional or physical state. This phenomenon occurs due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, commonly known as the fight-or-flight response. The body diverts blood flow from the surface of the face to prioritize essential organs, diminishing the characteristic flush or coloration tied to normal circulation. Consequently, the individual's complexion becomes noticeably paler, highlighting their emotional or physical distress.
"Turns pale" can also depict the reaction of individuals when witnessing something shocking or horrifying. It represents the visible manifestation of their immediate fear response, causing a whitening of the face. Additionally, this term may be employed in medical contexts to describe a symptom displayed by someone experiencing a sudden onset of sickness, faintness, or a decrease in blood pressure, leading to a visibly paler complexion.
In summary, "turns pale" refers to the swift alteration in skin color, particularly facially, due to emotional turmoil, distress, illness, or fright.
Common Misspellings for TURNS PALE
- turn pale
- turnes pale
- rurns pale
- furns pale
- gurns pale
- yurns pale
- 6urns pale
- 5urns pale
- tyrns pale
- thrns pale
- tjrns pale
- tirns pale
- t8rns pale
- t7rns pale
- tuens pale
- tudns pale
- tufns pale
- tutns pale
- tu5ns pale
- tu4ns pale
Etymology of TURNS PALE
The phrase "turns pale" does not have its own specific etymology, as it is a combination of two common words: "turns" and "pale".
The word "turns" comes from the Old English word "turnian", which means "to rotate" or "to change direction". Over time, it also gained the meaning of "to change state or condition".
The word "pale", on the other hand, originates from the Latin word "pallidus", which means "pale" or "pale yellow". The Latin word was derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*pel-", meaning "pale" or "gray".
When these two words are combined, the phrase "turns pale" describes the act of someone's complexion becoming pale or losing color.
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