Why Is The Term Bloodcurdling Used?

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- You have probably heard the term bloodcurdling as a a word used to describe extreme fear.

The word has been around for centuries and it has its origin in the concept that fear or horror causes blood to "run cold" or "curdle" (congeal). But did you ever wonder why such a strange term was used?

Researchers in the Netherlands say that is may possibly be the result of an adaptive response to anticipated blood loss. Remember in the real world similar fears that may cause you to scream in a theatre could truly harm you. If a sabre tooth tiger was chasing a caveman he probably screamed but his body was preparing to be gored and the blood might be coagulating or curdling to help prevent heavy blood loss.  The researchers found acute fear activates the coagulation system. The report is in the British Medical Journal.