Uninterred

The adjective 'uninterred' describes something that has not been buried, typically a corpse or remains. It implies a lack of proper burial or entombment. This state can be due to various reasons, including accidental death, violence, ritualistic practices, or neglect. The term highlights a departure from the culturally accepted practice of burying the dead, often carrying connotations of disrespect, desecration, or mystery surrounding the circumstances of death. It underscores the significance of burial rituals and the societal response to mortality.

Uninterred meaning with examples

• Following the unexpected avalanche, several bodies remained uninterred for days, making recovery efforts exceedingly difficult due to dangerous terrain. Families awaited closure, but treacherous conditions prevented proper burial.
• In ancient burial practices, some cultures left the bodies of enemies uninterred as a symbol of defeat and humiliation, displaying their bodies as a warning. The practice also aimed to prevent the deceased from having an afterlife.
• The detective was horrified to discover the mass grave of the victims, their remains shockingly uninterred. The lack of respect for the dead fueled the investigation into the heinous crime, which became his life’s work.
• The discovery of a lost battle revealed that soldiers were left uninterred on the battlefield after a sudden retreat, exposed to the elements for centuries. The lack of grave markers pointed to a chaotic period.
• After the funeral home burned down in a suspicious fire, the contents of the building, including some prepared for burial, were left uninterred. Officials began a grim task of identifying and arranging for the deceased to receive their proper send off.