Word Meaning
रोका
roka
hiverb
Meaning
Restrained, stopped, prevented, held back, or suppressed.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu poetics, 'roka' functions as the past tense of the verb 'rokna' (to restrain or hinder). In this couplet, it describes the lover's conscious attempt to suppress his agonized sighs from escaping. Despite this effort, the contained sighs accumulate inside his chest, paradoxically serving to stitch his torn garment of grief.
Etymology
Derived from Sanskrit 'रुध्' (rudh, to check/obstruct) through Prakrit into Hindustani 'रोकना' (roknā).
Usage
Commonly invoked in the ghazal tradition to convey the lover's struggle to maintain composure by suppressing cries, tears, or sighs.
Examples
I checked the tears flowing from my eyes.
He restrained his painful sigh before the beloved.
Synonyms
थामाअटकायादबाया
Related Words
रोकनारोकरुकावट