aegis

American  

[ee-jis] / ˈi dʒɪs /

Sometimes egis

noun

1. Classical Mythology. the shield or breastplate of Zeus or Athena, bearing at its center the head of the Gorgon.

2. protection; support.

   under the imperial aegis.

3. sponsorship; auspices.

   a debate under the aegis of the League of Women Voters.

   Synonyms:

   patronage

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aegis British  

/ ˈiːdʒɪs /

noun

1. sponsorship or protection; auspices (esp in the phrase under the aegis of )

2. Greek myth the shield of Zeus, often represented in art as a goatskin

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Etymology

Origin of aegis

First recorded in 1425–1475; late Middle English, from Latin, from Greek aigís “shield of Zeus or Athena,” probably from aig- (stem of aíx “goat”) + -is noun suffix, from a type of cloak or shield made of goatskin

Explanation

To be under the aegis of an organization is to be sponsored or protected by them. For instance, you were under the aegis of the Peace Corps when you were living in Swaziland. The noun aegis comes from the Greek word Aigis, which was the name of Zeus’s shield. That’s Zeus, the most powerful Greek god, who probably had a pretty tough shield, even though it was made of goatskin. To say that something or someone is under the aegis of another is basically saying that they have the strength of Zeus on their side. Or, at least, whoever is protecting them will be as Zeus-like as possible in their support.

Example Sentences

Because most of Qatar’s large companies are state owned or under the aegis of the Qatar Investment Authority, local equity prices don’t always capture economic anxiety.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

But I think they were able to justify it under the aegis of anticommunism.

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2024

Even one of the first breakout female rappers, Roxanne Shanté, came up under the aegis of Marley Marl and the Juice Crew.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2024

"However, the functioning of the navigational corridor continues under the aegis of the defence forces," said Ukraine's southern operational command.

From BBC • Nov. 1, 2023

Medusa’s head was given to Athena, who bore it always upon the aegis, Zeus’s shield, which she carried for him.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Related Words

• auspices
• patronage
• sponsorship