Word Meaning
थम
tham
Meaning
Stop, pause, or halt; an imperative command to cease movement.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu verse, 'tham' is the imperative form of the verb 'thamnā', used to instruct someone or something to halt, pause, or cease. In this couplet, the poet warns the wayfarer (rah-rau) to stop their journey immediately because a difficult trial or perilous stage has emerged. It conveys urgency, foreboding, and an interruption of emotional or physical movement.
Etymology
From Sanskrit स्तम्भ् (stambh, meaning 'to stop, fix, restrain') via Prakrit थंभ (thambha).
Usage
In ghazal poetry, it is often addressed as an imperative to flowing tears, a wandering heart, or a traveling lover to pause.
Examples
O weeping eyes, halt your tears for just a moment.
Stop, O traveler, the path ahead is fraught with sorrow.