Word Meaning
ख़ुश्क
khushk
hiadjective
Meaning
Dry, parched, arid, or withered.
Detailed Meaning
Literally denoting something dry or devoid of moisture, in classical poetry it frequently describes parched lips starved of water or love. In this couplet, 'lab-e-khushk' invokes the withered lips of martyrs of longing who died in agonizing thirst. It carries undertones of unfulfilled desire, ascetic austerity, and profound tragedy.
Etymology
Persian (خشک - khushk, meaning dry or withered).
Usage
Frequently compounded with 'lab' (lips) or contrasted with 'tar' (moist) to symbolize extreme yearning, austerity, or emotional desolation in ghazals.
Examples
parched lips longing for a drop of water
scattered like dry leaves in autumn
Synonyms
सूखातिश्नाबे-आबरूखा
Related Words
ख़ुश्कीतिश्नगीलब-ए-ख़ुश्कख़ुश्क-साली