agunah
|a-gu-nah|
C2
/əˈɡuːnə/
unable to remarry
Etymology
Etymology Information
'agunah' originates from Hebrew, specifically the word 'עֲגוּנָה', where 'עָגַן' meant 'to anchor or chain.'
Historical Evolution
'עֲגוּנָה' remained largely unchanged as it transitioned into modern Hebrew and was adopted into English as 'agunah.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'anchored or chained,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a woman unable to remarry due to her husband's refusal or disappearance.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a Jewish woman who is unable to remarry because her husband refuses to grant her a divorce or is missing and presumed dead.
She remained an agunah for many years, unable to move on with her life.
Last updated: 2025/06/04 23:21