Word Meaning
क़त्ल
qatl
hinoun, masculine
Meaning
Killing, slaying, murder, or slaughter.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'qatl' denotes slaying or murder, representing both literal bloodshed and metaphorical destruction wrought by the beloved's cruelty or fatal beauty. In Mir's couplet, it describes the ruthless execution of the messenger carrying the lover's letter. It highlights the lover's despair and ill-fated destiny.
Etymology
Arabic root q-t-l (ق-ت-ل), relating to killing or slaying.
Usage
It is a core trope in the ghazal, highlighting the beloved's merciless nature and the lover's willing martyrdom.
Examples
qatl-e-aashiq (the slaying of the lover)
us kii nigaah ne qatl kiyaa (her glance killed)
Synonyms
ख़ूनवधहलाकत
Related Words
क़ातिलमक़तूलक़त्ल-गाह