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View synonyms for goblin

goblin

[ gob-lin ]

noun

  1. a grotesque sprite or elf that is mischievous or malicious toward people.


goblin

/ ˈɡɒblɪn /

noun

  1. (in folklore) a small grotesque supernatural creature, regarded as malevolent towards human beings
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of goblin1

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English gobelin, from Middle French, from Middle High German kobold “goblin”; kobold
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Word History and Origins

Origin of goblin1

C14: from Old French, from Middle High German kobolt; compare cobalt
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Synonym Study

Goblin, gnome, gremlin refer to supernatural beings thought to be malevolent to people. Goblins are demons of any size, usually in human or animal form, that are supposed to assail, afflict, and even torture human beings: “Be thou a spirit of health or goblin damn'd, …” (Shakespeare, Hamlet I, iv ). Gnomes are small beings, like ugly little old men, who live in the earth, guarding mines, treasures, etc. They are mysteriously malevolent and terrify human beings by causing dreadful mishaps to occur. Gremlins are thought to disrupt machinery and are active in modern folklore.
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Example Sentences

The Green Goblin and Spider-Man fought shortly before they were both set to attend the same Thanksgiving dinner.

From Time

Imaginary numbers might seem like unicorns and goblins — interesting but irrelevant to reality.

That seems like a tough challenge for a movie we know is already stuffed with bad guys like Doctor Octopus, Electro and the Green Goblin.

From Time

I prayed it was not a band of cutthroat goblins seeking to plunder our hard-earned treasures.

Another mentioned that he perceived finger tapping while he was “fighting against goblins” in the dream, and being surprised that he could do math in battle.

So what most Spider-Man fans are dying to know is what The Green Goblin looks like, and how they arrived at that look.

In the film, we watch as Gollum gets in a tussle with his next meal, an unsuspecting goblin.

He was the strangest-looking creature Davy had ever seen, not even excepting the Goblin.

The Goblin stared about him in a dazed manner for a moment, and then said, "Sindbad the Sailor's house."

As it came near, it proved to be the clock, with a sail hoisted, and the Goblin sitting complacently in the stern.

The Goblin looked back despairingly, and Davy just caught the words, "I don't know how to turn around!"

"I'm quite aware that my appearance is not prepossessing," said the Hole-keeper, with a scornful look at the Goblin.

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