Quranic root
ضبح
ḍ · b · ḥ
The root has two principal semantic orientations: an audible sound, especially animal breathing or cries, and alteration of color through the action of fire.
The sound orientation extends from panting and animal calls to exertional movement and related vocal or combative usages. The fire-related orientation develops from scorching the upper part of wood to slight blackening, ashes, fire-marked objects, and cooking by heat.
- Maqāyīs · row 2886
- Lane · entry 17399
- Lane · entry 17402
- Lane · entry 17403
- 1
- Quran-attested forms
- 2
- Quran senses
- 1
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
ضَبْح
ḍabḥ
- Part of speech
- Noun
- Quran occurrences
- 1 occurrence
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
The audible, laborious breathing or panting of horses during running.
In the Quranic expression وَالْعَادِيَاتِ ضَبْحًا, this is the interpretation in which ضَبْح denotes the sound of the horses’ breaths rather than the running itself.
- Lane · entry 17399
- Mufradāt · row 867
Selected Quran examples
Quran 100:1word 2
“panting”
A light or exertional manner of running, especially running with the forelegs extended.
This is an alternative interpretation of وَالْعَادِيَاتِ ضَبْحًا; descriptions differ as to the exact gait, while retaining the association with vigorous forward movement.
- Lane · entry 17399
- Mufradāt · row 867
Selected Quran examples
Quran 100:1word 2
“panting”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 100:1ضَبْحًۭاpanting
Broader Classical Arabic meanings
Recorded for this root in the Classical lexicons beyond its Quran usage. These are secondary to the Quran senses above.
Show 16 Classical meanings
ضَبَحَ
To breathe audibly or laboriously, or to produce the characteristic sound of exertion.
Used especially of horses and camels in motion; one report also equates the sound with neighing, while another restricts the animal use to a dog or horse.
- Lane · entry 17399
ضَبَحَ
To run in a gait described as less rapid than taqrīb, or to extend the forelegs while moving.
A description of animal movement and gait, distinct from the sound of breathing itself.
- Lane · entry 17399
ضَبَحَ / ضَبْحَة
To emit a cry or sound; ضَبْحَة is a cry, especially that of a fox.
The verb is applied to the fox, hare, black serpent, owl, and the creature or phenomenon called الصَّدَى; it is also explained as barking.
- Lane · entry 17399
- Lane · entry 17405
ضَبَحَ
To make a sound, as a bow twanging.
A conventional use for the sound produced by a bow.
- Lane · entry 17399
ضَبَحَ
To cry out and enter into an altercation on behalf of someone who has given money.
An idiomatic usage associated with advocating for or contending on behalf of another.
- Lane · entry 17399
ضَبَحَ / ضَبْح
To scorch or alter the color of something by fire or sun; as a noun, roasting, broiling, or frying.
The alteration may be slight and may affect wood, arrows, meat, or similar objects.
- Lane · entry 17399
مُضَابَحَة
Mutual reviling or vilifying, with reciprocal confrontation and striving to repel one another.
A Form III verbal noun describing reciprocal contention.
- Lane · entry 17400
تَضَابَحَ
To send forth sounds mutually or to make a sound.
A Form VI usage derived from the sound branch of the root.
- Lane · entry 17401
اِنْضَبَحَ
To become slightly altered or darkened in color through fire or sun.
The resulting change is described particularly as movement toward blackness.
- Lane · entry 17402
ضَبْح / ضِبْح
Ashes.
The term is connected with the alteration of color caused by burning.
- Lane · entry 17403
ضَبْحَاء
A bow whose color has been altered by the action of fire.
The bow is described as fire-marked or fire-darkened.
- Lane · entry 17406
ضَبِيح
An arrow or roasted meat altered in color by fire; also, darkened skin burned by wounds.
A derived descriptive form for objects or flesh bearing the visible effects of burning or scorching.
- Lane · entry 17407
ضَابِح
A man who raises his voice in reading or reciting.
A nominal use describing loud or audible recitation.
- Lane · entry 17408
ضَابِح
A horse stretching its forelegs while moving or running vehemently.
A plural usage is also reported for a group of such horses.
- Lane · entry 17408
مَضْبُوح / مَضْبُوحَة
A stone blackened in appearance, including a stone from a volcanic stony tract; also a fire-striking stone that appears burnt.
The description is based on the stone’s resemblance to something altered by fire.
- Lane · entry 17409
مَضَابِح
Frying pans.
The plural is reported with مِضْبَح as its most probable singular.
- Lane · entry 17410
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
The sole Quranic occurrence has multiple established interpretations: the sound of horses’ breath and a manner of running. The example is therefore linked to both Quranic senses.
The fire-related explanation of the Quranic expression is treated as semantic development and as a broader Classical branch, not as a direct meaning of the Quranic noun.