Word Meaning
ठहरा
thahrā
hiverb
Meaning
Stayed, halted, paused, or stood still.
Detailed Meaning
In this couplet, 'ठहरा' appears in the passive potential phrase 'न ठहरा जाए है', meaning 'neither can I stand still'. The lover's wounded feet leave him in agony, unable either to retreat from the battlefield of love or to endure standing firm in it. It conveys an agonizing state of complete paralysis and helplessness.
Etymology
Derived from Sanskrit 'स्तम्भ्' (stambh - to stand still/be fixed) via Prakrit 'ठहरइ' (ṭhaharai) into Hindi/Urdu 'ठहरना'.
Usage
In classical Urdu poetry, it is often employed to evoke transience, restlessness, or the agonizing inability to pause and find peace in separation.
Examples
A fleeting breath that never stood still
Neither could I flee, nor could I stay
Synonyms
रुकाथमाक़ायम
Related Words
ठहरनाठहरावठिकाना