Catachresis borrows a word from one field of life to describe another when no ordinary literal term fits as vividly.
Catachresis borrows a word from one field of life to describe another when no ordinary literal term fits as vividly.
Catachresis is an unusual, bold, or borrowed expression in which a word is used outside its ordinary sphere to communicate a vivid or necessary idea, often seen in body-part language applied to objects or creation.
These examples show how Catachresis functions in biblical language, rhetoric, poetry, prophecy, narrative, or theological imagery.
the face of the deep
Face language is borrowed for the surface or visible expanse of the waters.
the blood of grapes
Blood is borrowed for the juice of grapes because of color and vividness.
the blood of the grape
Blood language describes grape juice in a bold borrowed expression.
the heart of the sea
Heart language is borrowed for the central depths of the sea.
the trees went forth to anoint a king
Political language is borrowed into a tree-fable, producing a deliberately vivid comparison.
the head of the corner
Head language is borrowed for the chief cornerstone.
the heart of the earth
Heart language is borrowed for the inner depths of the earth.
the eye of a needle
Eye language is borrowed for the needle’s opening.
I turned to see the voice
Seeing language is applied to a voice in a sensory-crossing expression.
said to the mountains and rocks
Speech to inanimate creation creates a bold expression of terror and judgment.
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