dagger

American  

[dag-er] / ˈdæg ər /

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.

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verb (used with object)

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

2. Printing. to mark with a dagger.

idioms

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

dagger British  

/ 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

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verb

1. to mark with a dagger

2. archaic to stab with a dagger

dagger More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing dagger

• look daggers

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Etymology

Origin of dagger

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

Example Sentences

But in a yearlong critical examination of what happened and what didn’t, The Times has exposed multiple systemic failures, and questions linger like daggers over the heads of public officials.

From Los Angeles Times

I try not to make extended eye contact with any of the people around the table—everyone but Autumn is sending me daggers.

From Literature

As for Cassiopeia, she had knitted a collection of eye patches for playing at pirates, and a holster to fit a toy dagger that Beowulf had gnawed for her out of a fallen tree branch.

From Literature

Moments later, his siblings snuck up behind him, bearing imaginary daggers.

From Literature

One woman said: "It has been cloak and dagger throughout this whole process. We can't get a straight answer as to what has changed so drastically to allow the park to be built on?"

From BBC

Related Words

• bayonet
• blade
• sword