Blanket Meaning
Blanket Definition & Usage
A large piece of cloth used to cover or protect oneself, typically to provide warmth.
Examples
- "She wrapped herself in a blanket to stay warm on the chilly evening."
- "The baby was fast asleep under a soft, fluffy blanket."
- "He spread a blanket on the ground and sat down to enjoy the picnic."
- "After a long day at work, nothing felt better than curling up with a blanket on the couch."
- "They bought a new blanket for their bed, choosing one with a thick fleece lining."
To cover something or someone with a blanket or similar material.
Examples
- "She blanketed the baby with a warm towel after his bath."
- "The floor was blanketed with a thick layer of snow."
- "They blanketed the living room with soft cushions for the movie night."
- "A sense of tranquility blanketed the town after the storm passed."
- "The field was blanketed by fog, making it hard to see anything clearly."
A general or all-encompassing measure or effect, often used in expressions like 'blanket ban' or 'blanket policy'.
Examples
- "The city implemented a blanket ban on smoking in public places."
- "The new rules were a blanket policy that affected all employees."
- "A blanket approach to the issue will not work for all communities."
- "They issued a blanket statement denying the accusations."
- "The government imposed a blanket tariff on all imported goods."
Cultural Context
The word 'blanket' has been in use for centuries, originating from the Middle French 'blanquette', meaning a white woolen covering. Historically, blankets were associated with warmth and comfort, often handmade and woven from wool. Over time, their use spread from homes to other settings, such as hospitals and military camps.
The Blanket of Silence
Story
The Blanket of Silence
It was a cold, winter evening when Sarah decided to settle in for a night of relaxation. She pulled a thick wool blanket from the linen closet, the fabric soft and comforting against her skin. As she wrapped herself in the blanket, the warmth seeped through, making the evening feel cozier. Outside, the snow began to fall, creating a blanket of white across the city. The streets were silent, the usual hustle and bustle muffled by the thick layer of snow. She looked out the window, lost in the peace that had settled over the town. Later, Sarah’s phone buzzed. A message from her boss read, 'We’re implementing a blanket policy regarding work-from-home days for the next month.' Her heart sank slightly. A blanket policy was a broad, one-size-fits-all approach to the situation, and she wasn't sure how it would affect her team. At that moment, she realized that both the literal blanket surrounding her and the figurative blanket of uncertainty in her work life had something in common: they both offered a sense of comfort and security in a world full of unknowns. The snow outside was not just a physical presence; it felt like a metaphor for the blanket of calm that had covered the city, and, for a brief moment, her worries felt distant. As the night wore on, Sarah leaned back into the plush blanket, letting the warmth envelop her once more, and drifted off into a peaceful sleep, unaware that her boss would soon change the blanket policy in response to employee feedback.
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