Quranic root
قسر
q · s · r
The root denotes forceful overcoming, domination, and compelling another against resistance.
Its meanings develop from coercive force and overpowering to names for powerful beings or agents associated with overcoming, including قَسْوَرَةٌ in its Quranic interpretations as a lion or as hunters and shooters.
- Maqāyīs · row 3775
- Mufradāt · row 1176
- 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.
قَسْوَرَة
qaswarah
- 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.
A lion.
In the Quranic expression describing the fleeing asses, interpreted as a lion because it overcomes and overpowers.
- Lane · entry 8311
- Mufradāt · row 1176
Selected Quran examples
Quran 74:51word 3
“a lion”
A hunter or shooter who casts missiles; hunters or shooters collectively.
In the same Quranic expression, an alternative interpretation of قَسْوَرَةٌ as those who hunt or shoot, causing the asses to flee.
- Lane · entry 8311
- Mufradāt · row 1176
Selected Quran examples
Quran 74:51word 3
“a lion”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 74:51قَسْوَرَةٍۭa lion
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 5 Classical meanings
قَسَرَ
To compel or force someone to do something against his will.
Used with عَلَى to express forcing someone to undertake an action.
- Lane · entry 8308
قَسَرَ
To overcome, overpower, subdue, or oppress.
A broader use describing domination or defeat by force.
- Lane · entry 8308
قَسْوَرٌ / قَسْوَرَة
A certain sour, grasslike plant growing in plains or soft land.
The plant is described as eagerly eaten by camels.
- Lane · entry 8310
قَسْوَرَة
Mighty or overpowering; strong and courageous.
The strong and courageous application is specifically given of a man; the overpowering sense is broader.
- Lane · entry 8311
قَسْوَرَة
The sound, voices, or cries of men.
A collective auditory meaning referring to human voices or calls.
- Lane · entry 8311
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
قَسْوَرَةٌ in 74:51 has two explicitly attested Quranic interpretations in the supplied evidence: a lion, or hunters and shooters; the evidence does not resolve the alternative.