PsychologyJuly 14, 2026
travail
/ˈtræveɪl/
Definition
Painful or laborious effort; severe emotional or physical struggle.
Etymology
Derived from the Old French 'travail', meaning work or suffering, which likely stems from the Vulgar Latin 'tripaliare'—to torture with a 'tripalium', an instrument of three stakes. Over time, the meaning evolved from physical torment to the sense of arduous work or difficult experience.
In the news
The article uses the word to describe the various difficult challenges and psychological pressures people have endured throughout the year before reaching the festive season. It highlights the resilience required to overcome these hardships.
Mental health advice for festive use
Read the full article ↗Times of Eswatini