dagger

[dag-er]

noun

1. a short, swordlike weapon with a pointed blade and a handle, used for stabbing.

2. Also called obelisk. Printing.,  a mark (†) used especially for references.

verb (used with object)

1. to stab with or as if with a dagger.

2. Printing.,  to mark with a dagger.

dagger

/ ˈdæɡə /

noun

1. a short stabbing weapon with a pointed blade

2. Also called: obelisk. a character (†) used in printing to indicate a cross reference, esp to a footnote

3. in a state of open hostility

4. to glare with hostility; scowl

verb

1. to mark with a dagger

2. archaic,  to stab with a dagger

Word History and Origins

Origin of dagger¹

1350–1400; Middle English, probably alteration of Old French dague, of obscure origin; dag ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of dagger¹

C14: of uncertain origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. look daggers at, to look at angrily, threateningly, or with hate.

More idioms and phrases containing dagger

• look daggers

Example Sentences

Inequality, they know, is a dagger to the heart of democracy — and it’s one they enthusiastically wield.

From Salon

In March he said that the controversy around Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone was like a "dagger to the heart" of BBC impartiality.

From BBC

“We are driving a dagger straight into the heart of the climate change religion,” Zeldin said.

From Los Angeles Times

EPA administrator Lee Zeldin in March proclaimed the administration was “driving a dagger straight into the heart of the climate change religion.”

From Los Angeles Times

"He was subsequently stopped and a small sickle, a large dagger which was in a sheath on a belt, and a peeling knife, were seized," the force said.

From BBC

Related Words

• bayonet 
• blade 
• sword