Word Meaning
इज़तिराब
Iztiṛāb
Meaning
Agitation, restlessness, anxiety, perturbation, or emotional turmoil.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu classical poetry, iztirab denotes an intense state of internal commotion, restlessness, or flutter of the heart caused by longing or distress. In this couplet, it represents the acute nervous agitation that, combined with sorrow and physical debility, threatens to overwhelm the speaker's solitary life.
Etymology
Arabic origin; verbal noun of the eighth measure (iftiʿāl) from the root ḍ-r-b (ضرب), carrying the sense of violent motion, unrest, or agitation.
Usage
In the ghazal, it is a staple motif expressing the uncontrollable palpitations of the heart and the tormented state of the lover in separation.
Examples
My heart knew no peace amid such relentless agitation.
Every pulse betrayed the restlessness of a grieving soul.