PROCRUSTEAN Meaning and
Definition
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Procrustean, an adjective derived from the mythical Greek figure Procrustes, refers to any rigid or arbitrary approach or standard that attempts to force conformity or uniformity by enforcing strict measures or constraints. This term is often used to describe a situation or system that places undue pressure on individuals, demanding them to fit into a predetermined mold or template, regardless of their unique circumstances or needs.
The concept originates from the tale of Procrustes, a villainous figure who operated an inn on a road in ancient Greece. Procrustes had an iron bed, and if travelers were either too tall or too short to fit on it, he would adjust their bodies to fit perfectly. He would stretch shorter individuals to make them taller, or amputate the legs of taller individuals to make them shorter, all in an effort to uphold his own idea of perfection.
In a broader sense, the term "Procrustean" is applied to situations where individuals or groups are subjected to conform to a one-size-fits-all standard, often disregarding individual differences, needs, or circumstances. This can manifest within various contexts, such as education, where students are forced into a single method of learning, or in the workplace, where employees are expected to conform to rigid rules or molds that inhibit their creativity or unique skills.
By highlighting the negative implications of Procrustean standards, the term serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting individuality, diversity, and the need for flexible and adaptable approaches that cater to the uniqueness of each person or situation, rather than imposing rigid constraints.
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Pert. to Procrustes, or his mode of torture.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PROCRUSTEAN
Etymology of PROCRUSTEAN
The word "Procrustean" is derived from Greek mythology, specifically from the name of a character called Procrustes. In Greek mythology, Procrustes was a cruel and notorious bandit who lived in Corinth. He had an iron bed that he offered to travelers passing by. However, the bed had certain measurements - if the traveler was shorter than the bed, Procrustes would stretch them to fit by forcibly elongating their limbs. On the other hand, if the traveler was taller than the bed, he would amputate their limbs to make them fit.
Therefore, the word "Procrustean" came to represent an act of forcefully making something fit into an arbitrary mold or standard. It is often used metaphorically to describe situations where individuals or things are manipulated or altered to fit a predetermined set of rules or proportions, without considering their uniqueness or diversity.
Idioms with the word PROCRUSTEAN
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a Procrustean bed
The idiom "a Procrustean bed" refers to a rigid or inflexible standard or framework that forces conformity and disregards individual uniqueness or differences. It originates from a mythological Greek character named Procrustes, who was known for forcing his victims to fit onto a bed by either stretching them to fit or cutting off the excess to make them fit. Thus, the idiom implies forcefully modifying or constraining something or someone to fit predefined criteria, often resulting in discomfort, harm, or distortion.
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Procrustean bed
The idiom "Procrustean bed" refers to a rigid or inflexible standard or template that disregards individual differences or circumstances. It comes from the Greek mythological figure Procrustes, who would stretch or amputate the limbs of his guests to fit them to an iron bed. Thus, "Procrustean bed" implies forcing something or someone into a predetermined measure, often leading to discomfort, injustice, or distortion.
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