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Glite Dictionary
Edith Cavell

Edith Cavell

1 8.9
An English nurse who helped prisoners escape from Belgium occupied by Germany during World War I and was executed
  • proper noun
: Edith Cavell
  • A hospital in London is named after Edith Cavell in recognition of her service to humanity during World War I.

Examples

  • Many historians regard Edith Cavell as a symbol of humanitarian courage during wartime.

  • The story of Edith Cavell continues to inspire nurses around the world.

  • A hospital in London is named after Edith Cavell in recognition of her service.

  • The story of Edith Cavell inspires many nurses today.

  • Did you know Edith Cavell was executed for her bravery?

  • Many historians regard Edith Cavell as a symbol of courage for her efforts to save Allied soldiers.

  • The inspiring legacy of Edith Cavell has motivated countless nurses to uphold the values of compassion and bravery.

Synonyms

Edith Louisa Cavell
vsEdith Cavell
9.5

An English nurse who helped Allied soldiers escape German-occupied Belgium in World War I and was executed

is the shorter form that omits the middle name

Surface Forms

Edith Cavell main

Morphology

Edith + Cavell

This is a personal name (a proper noun) whose meaning is encyclopedic and referential rather than compositional. Knowing the constituent name forms 'Edith' and 'Cavell' does not allow a B1 learner to infer the biographical information (English nurse, WWI, executed), so the expression is not derivable from its parts.

Etymology

Edith Cavell was an English nurse in World War I who secretly helped Allied soldiers escape from occupied Belgium and was executed by German authorities. Because she gave her life to help others, her name now stands for 'bravery' and is used to honour nurses and hospitals.