Word Meaning
ज़ब्ह
zabH
hinoun
Meaning
Slaughter, sacrifice, or killing by slitting the throat.
Detailed Meaning
Literally denoting ritual slaughter by slitting the throat, 'zabh' is used metaphorically in Urdu poetry to depict the ruthless slaying of the devoted lover. In Ghalib's couplet, it describes the lover being killed at the beloved's threshold by her guards or servants. The term heightens the drama of tragic devotion and unchecked tyranny.
Etymology
Arabic root ذ-ب-ح (dh-b-ḥ), meaning ritual slaughter or sacrifice.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'zabh' commonly pairs with words like 'khanjar' (dagger) or 'kard' (knife) to symbolize the ultimate submission and martyrdom of the lover.
Examples
To be slaughtered at the doorstep of the beloved
Offering one's neck to the curved dagger
Synonyms
क़त्लहलाकबिस्मिल
Related Words
ज़ब्हगाहज़बीहख़ंजरतेग़