tarantism (Meaning)
tarantism (n)
a nervous disorder characterized by an uncontrollable impulse to dance; popularly attributed to bite of the southern European tarantula or wolf spider
tarantism (n.)
A nervous affection producing melancholy, stupor, and an uncontrollable desire to dance. It was supposed to be produced by the bite of the tarantula, and considered to be incapable of cure except by protracted dancing to appropriate music.
Synonyms & Antonyms of tarantism
No Synonyms and anytonyms found
tarantism Sentence Examples
- Tarantulas have venom that can induce tarantism, a rare condition characterized by erratic movements and hallucinations.
- Historical accounts describe tarantism as a dance-like trance, where individuals believed they were bitten by a spider.
- Treatments for tarantism included music therapy, known as tarantella, which aimed to exorcise the perceived spider venom.
- The tarantism phenomenon primarily occurred in southern Italy and other Mediterranean regions, where tarantula spiders are common.
- In the 17th century, tarantism was thought to affect primarily women, and it was often associated with hysteria.
- Recent studies suggest that tarantism may have been a combination of psychological and physical factors, including insect bites and religious fervor.
- The term "tarantism" is still used today to describe a type of movement disorder believed to be caused by spider bites.
- Modern medical research has largely debunked the traditional belief that tarantism is caused solely by tarantula bites.
- Tarantula venom can indeed cause severe pain and localized symptoms, but it is highly unlikely to induce tarantism.
- The historical phenomenon of tarantism remains a fascinating example of the interplay between culture, belief, and medical understanding.
FAQs About the word tarantism
a nervous disorder characterized by an uncontrollable impulse to dance; popularly attributed to bite of the southern European tarantula or wolf spiderA nervous
No synonyms found.
No antonyms found.
Tarantulas have venom that can induce tarantism, a rare condition characterized by erratic movements and hallucinations.
Historical accounts describe tarantism as a dance-like trance, where individuals believed they were bitten by a spider.
Treatments for tarantism included music therapy, known as tarantella, which aimed to exorcise the perceived spider venom.
The tarantism phenomenon primarily occurred in southern Italy and other Mediterranean regions, where tarantula spiders are common.
