Word: hives (noun)

Associations

Hives are raised, itchy areas on the skin that often appear suddenly. They can be caused by allergic reactions, stress, or certain foods.

• Example 1: "After eating shellfish, I broke out in hives." (This shows that hives can be a reaction to food.)
• Example 2: "The doctor prescribed antihistamines to relieve the hives." (This indicates that treatment is available for hives.)
• Example 3: "She developed hives after being stung by a bee." (This demonstrates that hives can be triggered by insect stings.)

A well-known synonym for hives is "urticaria." The difference is that "urticaria" is the medical term used by doctors, while "hives" is more commonly used in everyday language.

Substitution

In place of "hives," you could use:

• "rash" (more general term for skin irritation, not always itchy)
• "welts" (refers specifically to raised areas but may not imply itchiness)

Using "rash" could change the meaning to a broader skin issue, while "welts" might suggest a specific type of raised area that may or may not be itchy.

Deconstruction

The word "hives" comes from the Old English word "hyf," which means "to cover." It reflects how the skin becomes covered with raised areas. There is no prefix or suffix in this word, making it straightforward.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you or someone you know had hives? What caused it?
• How do you usually react when you see hives on your skin or someone else's?
• In what situations do you think it's important to seek medical help for hives?