Word Meaning
ख़स्ता
khasta
hiadjective
Meaning
Wounded, injured, broken, worn out, or distressed by grief.
Detailed Meaning
Literally meaning broken or wounded, 'khasta' in Urdu poetry describes someone deeply ravaged by affliction, love, or oppression. In the given couplet, it appears in the compound 'khasta-e-tegh-e-sitam' to describe those severely wounded and broken by the sword of cruelty. It evokes a state of profound vulnerability and ruined spirits.
Etymology
Persian (خسته), from the verb 'khastan' (to wound, hurt, break).
Usage
Frequently paired in the ghazal tradition with words like 'haal' or 'dil' to convey the tragic inner and outer ruin of the lover.
Examples
khasta-haal aashiq (a broken-hearted, afflicted lover)
dil-e-khasta (a wounded and sorrowful heart)
Synonyms
मजरूहघायलशिकस्ताफ़िगार
Related Words
ख़स्तगीख़स्ता-हालख़स्ता-जिगर