termagant

[ˈtərməɡənt]

termagant Definition

• 1. a harsh-tempered or overbearing woman
• 2. a quarrelsome, scolding woman
• 3. a 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

Synonyms for termagant

• shrew
• virago
• harpy
• harridan
• battle-ax

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.

• termagant queen

  a powerful, domineering woman who rules with an iron fist

  Example

  She was known as the termagant queen, feared by all who crossed her path.

• termagant tongue

  a sharp, scolding tongue

  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

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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.