termagant Definition
- 1a harsh-tempered or overbearing woman
- 2a quarrelsome, scolding woman
- 3a boisterous, brawling, turbulent person
Using termagant: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "termagant" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She was portrayed as a termagant in the play.
Example
The termagant wife constantly berated her husband.
Example
He was a termagant on the field, always picking fights with other players.
termagant Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with termagant
termagant's curse
a supposed curse or spell cast by a termagant, causing misfortune or calamity
Example
Some people believe that the termagant's curse is responsible for the recent string of bad luck.
Example
She was known as the termagant queen, feared by all who crossed her path.
Example
Her termagant tongue was legendary, capable of reducing even the strongest man to tears.
Origins of termagant
from Old French 'termagant', the name of a mythical Muslim god believed to be worshipped by the Saracens, and portrayed in medieval European mystery plays as a violent character
Summary: termagant in Brief
'Termagant' [ˈtərməɡənt] refers to a harsh-tempered or overbearing woman, often portrayed as a scold or a brawler. It can also describe a boisterous, turbulent person. The term is derived from the name of a mythical Muslim god in medieval European mystery plays. Synonyms include 'shrew,' 'virago,' and 'harpy.' Phrases like 'termagant's curse' and 'termagant queen' extend the meaning of the term.
