Word Meaning

बर्बाद

barbaad

hiadjective

Meaning

Ruined, destroyed, laid waste, or cast to the wind.

Detailed Meaning

The word literally means given or scattered to the wind, signifying utter destruction, desolation, or ruin. In this couplet by Ghalib, it describes how the harsh frost or winter season ('day') has ravaged the garden of delicate floral attire ('pairahanistān'), dispersing its fragrant presence. It evokes a poignant sense of physical decay and the scattering of beauty.

Etymology

Persian: compound of 'bar' (upon) and 'bād' (wind), literally 'cast to the wind'.

Usage

In classical Urdu poetry, it frequently portrays the ruin of the lover's home, heart, or youth caused by fate or unrequited love.

Examples

Love has completely ruined my quiet life.

The autumn wind laid waste to the blooming garden.

Synonyms

तबाहनष्टवीरानख़ाक

Related Words

बर्बादीख़ाना-बर्बादतबाही
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