Word Meaning
दबा
daba
Meaning
was subdued, suppressed, quelled, or restrained
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu verse, 'daba' (past tense of the intransitive verb 'dabna') implies being suppressed, overcome, or forced to yield. In Ghalib's couplet, it describes the beloved's rebellious tresses (kakul-e-sarkash), which refused to be quelled or tamed even by the newly sprouting facial down (sabza-e-khat). The verb highlights defiant resistance against an overpowering force.
Etymology
Sanskrit 'dambayati' / Prakrit 'dabba-', evolving into Hindustani 'dabnā' (to be pressed down, yielded).
Usage
Commonly used in ghazal poetry to denote pride, wild passion, or the refusal of a lover's heart to bow before adversity.
Examples
His rebellious spirit was never subdued by tyranny.
The smoldering flame of grief could not be suppressed.