Definition of Lull

The word "Lull" means to lull, to be lulled, a lull. This is an interesting word that deserves review. Colloquially, 'lull' has a somewhat derogatory connotation. We think of "a lull in business," or "a lull in the conversation." We think of it too as a term indicating deception, for example, "Her promises lulled him into complacency." This fact sheet explores the fuller meaning of the term.

An Interesting Word

The word "lull" first appeared in the English language in 1659. Yet it derives directly from the Middle English word "lullen," and possibly originates from Low German.

As a Transitive Verb

The primary definition of "Lull" in the American Heritage Dictionary is a gentle one: "To cause to sleep or rest; to soothe or calm." An example would be a mother singing a lullaby to her child, a sweet reminder of childhood security. The dictionary's secondary definition reminds us to be cautious: "To deceive into trustfulness: 'that honeyed charm that he used so effectively to lull his victims' (S.J. Perelman)."

As an Intransitive Verb

The word may also be used as an intransitive verb: "To make calm." For instance, "Mark lulled the crowd."

As a Noun

The word can be used as a noun too. The dictionary gives the following entries and accompanying examples, "A relatively calm interval, as in a storm" and "An interval of lessened activity: a lull in sales."

Sanskrit origins

The origins of the word "lull" are interesting to note. Most dictionaries trace the word back no further than the Low German word "lullen," the Middle Dutch word "lollen," or the Latin word "lallare." Yet it may have its earliest origins in the Sanskrit term "lolati," which means "moves to and fr.o" Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages in the world, and one of the closest to the theoretical Indo-European root language.

Comfort

In light of these considerations, "lull" comes to us through a long tradition as a word of comfort, like a gentle reminder from our ancestors.

References

• Dictionary.com: Meaning of "Lull"
• Good Night Lullabies: Holly Bennet
• Danshort.com: Family Tree of Indo-European Languages

Resources

• Danshort.com: History of the English Language