Definition of blasted

The word "blasted" has a fascinating etymological history that dates back to the Middle English period. At its core, the term "blast" originally referred to a violent gust of wind or loud noise, as in the modern-day phrase "blast of cold air." It's likely that this meaning is derived from the Old Norse word "blas", which translates as "breath" or "blow". The prefix "un-" reveals the word's true meaning: "unblast" signified something that had been deprived of its normal course or prevented from flourishing. Over time, this negative prefix was dropped, leaving us with merely "blasted". By the 14th century, "blasted" came to mean "spoiled" or "withered," often referring to crops or fruits that had been impacted by blight, harsh weather, or disease. This sense of the word is still used today in agricultural contexts. The term also came to signify a more figurative destructive force. By the 15th century, it was used to describe damaged goods beyond repair, including people, buildings, or war-torn landscapes. In short, "blasted" is an intriguing word because it reflects both the physical and metaphorical power of nature and its immense capability to destroy. It's no wonder that it's still in use today, reminding us of the raw and destructive power that lies just beneath the surface of things.