Word Meaning
ख़ौफ़नाक
khaufnaak
hiadjective
Meaning
Dreadful, terrifying, frightening, dangerous or full of fear.
Detailed Meaning
In classical poetry, 'khaufnaak' describes that which evokes terror, dread, or immense danger. In the given couplet, it serves as an epithet for love ('ishq'), portraying the path of romantic or spiritual devotion as hazardous, perilous, and fraught with frightening challenges. The poet cautions the traveler of this intense path to tread with utmost caution.
Etymology
Arabic 'khawf' (خوف, fear) combined with the Persian suffix '-naak' (-ناک, possessing, full of).
Usage
Commonly used in ghazals to depict the perils of the wilderness of love or the terrifying expanse of separation.
Examples
A dreadful desert of longing
A terrifying path fraught with peril
Synonyms
डरावनाभयानकहैबतनाकवहशतनाक
Related Words
ख़ौफ़ख़ौफ़-ज़दाख़तरादहशत