rastlösa

Rastlösa is a Swedish term that can refer to two broad things: a grammatical form of the adjective rastlös and, less commonly, a place name used for certain locations in Sweden. In ordinary language, rastlösa describes people, animals, or situations that lack rest, are continually active, or show a strong drive to move or act.

Etymology and usage: The word rastlös is a compound of rast (rest) and lös (loose or free). The form rastlösa appears in Swedish as the plural or feminine singular form of the adjective, and it can also function as a toponym in some contexts. In prose and speech, rastlösa is used to characterize restlessness, wanderlust, or a persistent lack of settled calm.

Geographic usage: Rastlösa is known to appear as a toponym in Sweden, where it names or has named places in various regions. When used as a place name, the term is capitalized and treated as a proper noun, distinct from its ordinary adjectival meaning.

See also: The concept of restlessness in Swedish language and literature; Swedish toponymy and place-name formations.