Word Meaning
इज़्तिराब
iztiraab
Meaning
Restlessness, agitation, perturbation, or deep inner turmoil.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetics, iztiraab denotes intense restlessness, longing, or emotional agitation of the lover's heart or senses. In this verse, 'iztiraab-e-chashm' signifies the restless quivering and agitation of the eyes, which betrays inner longing despite efforts to keep them modestly shut or sewn. It captures how uncontrollable agitation reveals the lover's hidden secret to the world.
Etymology
Arabic: from the root ض-ر-ب (ḍ-r-b), derived from Form VIII verbal noun 'iḍṭirāb' (being agitated, convulsed, or perturbed).
Usage
A quintessential ghazal motif, often paired with the heart (dil) or eyes (chashm) to convey the lover's uncontrollable agony and yearning.
Examples
iztiraab-e-dil ne aaraam lene na diya
khatam hota hi nahin aalam-e-iztiraab