trudges

Trudges is a term that denotes long, laborious walks taken with difficulty. As a plural noun, it refers to several such walks (for example, “the late-afternoon trudges to the ridge”). As a verb, to trudge means to move slowly and with effort, especially through mud, snow, or heat; the present tense third-person singular is “trudges,” and the gerund is “trudging.”

Etymology and usage of the word are not entirely clear. The verb form appears in English with various spellings dating to the early modern period, and is generally considered onomatopoeic or imitative of the sound and effort of heavy stepping. It is related to other Germanic terms that convey treading or pressing forward.

Contexts and characteristics. Trudges are typically defined by a steady, laborious pace and higher energy expenditure than ordinary walking. They occur in outdoor settings such as marshy fields, snow-covered terrain, or uneven hills, and are influenced by factors like weather, terrain, and endurance. In travel writing and outdoor guidance, trudges convey hardship and perseverance. The term is also used metaphorically to describe tedious or protracted tasks or processes, such as administrative procedures that require sustained effort over time.

See also. See also walking, hiking, fatigue, and perseverance.