Word Meaning
खाने
khāne
Meaning
To eat, consume, or ingest; oblique infinitive of taking or consuming.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu poetics, the infinitive 'khānā' (oblique: 'khāne') frequently pairs with nouns to express enduring, suffering, or consuming. In this couplet, 'zahr khāne' specifically refers to consuming poison out of extreme despair and envy over the beloved's fresh youth. It encapsulates a self-destructive impulse born of hopeless longing.
Etymology
Sanskrit 'खाद्' (khād, to chew/eat) via Prakrit 'खाअइ' (khāaï) into Hindustani 'खाना' (khānā).
Usage
Frequently used idiomatically in ghazals with nouns like 'ġham' (grief), 'fareb' (deception), or 'zahr' (poison) to convey suffering or fatal longing.
Examples
Where does consuming grief bring peace to the heart?
Matters reached the point of consuming poison.