Frankenstein
Americannoun
-
a person who creates a monster or a destructive agency that cannot be controlled or that brings about the creator's ruin.
-
Also called Frankenstein monster. the monster or destructive agency itself.
noun
-
a person who creates something that brings about his ruin
-
Also called: Frankenstein's monster. a thing that destroys its creator
Discover More
Frequently the subject of horror films, the monster is usually pictured with an oversized square brow, metal bolts in his neck and forehead, and greenish skin. People often mistakenly refer to the monster, rather than to his creator, as “Frankenstein.”
Other Word Forms
- Frankensteinian adjective
Etymology
Origin of Frankenstein
First recorded in 1830–40; after a character in Mary Shelley's novel of the same name (1818)
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Frankenstein director is one of the only stars pulling a fun pose this year, with his outstretched arms making him the highlight of the front row.
From BBC
While his "Frankenstein" is nominated for Best Picture, del Toro himself is off the hook for Best Director, which he said took the pressure off him and meant he could focus on promoting his team.
From Barron's
“Frankenstein” star Jacob Elordi, at 6 feet 5 easy to spot from across the ballroom, leaned down to hug Teyana Taylor, a supporting actress Oscar nominee for “One Battle After Another.”
From Los Angeles Times
Like Victor Frankenstein, who diligently selects body parts from corpses to stitch together his humanoid creation, the Mexican director carefully assembled his troupe of movie magicians.
From Los Angeles Times
Perhaps this is because religion doesn’t seem to be among the ingredients that contemporary Victor Frankensteins are using to cook up and refine their creations.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
