Definition of laughter

The origin of the word "laughter" can be traced back to the Old English word "hlāthor," which was a compound word consisting of "hlāh," meaning "bright" or "clear," and "þōr," meaning "thunder." This unusual combination of words arose due to the biological connections between laughter and the sound of thunder. In medieval times, it was believed that laughter and thunder were both symptoms of divine energy. Both of these events were thought to be created by the gods, and their booming sounds were used to fill people with awe and reverence. Because of these similarities, the Old English word for laughter took on a meaning similar to the sound of thunder. The Old English word "hlāthor" passed down into Middle English, where it evolved into "claðere" and later "claothre," which is where the modern English word "laughter" derives from. The evolution of the word "claðere" to "laughter" is significant because it shows how language can change over time, reflecting changes in society's attitudes and beliefs. In modern times, the word "laughter" is used to describe the audible expression of amusement and joy. It is a positive and cheerful word that is associated with happiness, health, and well-being. Laughter is believed to release endorphins, which are natural chemicals that promote feelings of pleasure and euphoria, and may even provide some therapeutic benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety. In summary, the word "laughter" is derived from an Old English word that combined the concepts of light and thunder to describe the sound of laughter, which was believed to be a sign of divine power. Over time, this word evolved and transformed into its modern English form, which continues to be used to describe one of the most fundamental expressions of human happiness.