ogre

[oh-ger]

noun

1. a monster in fairy tales and popular legend, usually represented as a hideous giant who feeds on human flesh.

2. a monstrously ugly, cruel, or barbarous person.

   Synonyms: despot, tyrant, fiend

ogre

/ ˈəʊɡə /

noun

1. (in folklore) a giant, usually given to eating human flesh

2. any monstrous or cruel person

Other Word Forms

• ogreish adjective
• ogrish adjective
• ogreishly adverb
• ogrishly adverb
• ogreism noun
• ogrism noun
• ogress noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ogre¹

1705–15; < French; perhaps ≪ Latin Orcus Orcus

Word History and Origins

Origin of ogre¹

C18: from French, perhaps from Latin Orcus god of the infernal regions

Example Sentences

To Americans, he may still appear as the all-powerful ogre at the center of the political universe, driving sinister populist-nationalist forces all over the world.

From Salon

French President Emmanuel Macron called the Russian leader "a predator, and an ogre at our doorstep" and expressed "the greatest doubt" that he would be willing to work towards peace.

From BBC

On Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron called Putin "a predator, and an ogre at our doorstep" and expressed "the greatest doubt" that the Russian president was willing to work towards peace.

From BBC

The first film, released in 2001, followed the story of an ogre who wants nothing more than to be left alone, but ends up on a quest to rescue a princess trapped in a tower.

From BBC

“You know, it's not to say that Trump is just some kind of ogre,” Danforth said.

From Salon

When To Use

What does ogre mean?

An ogre is a fictional creature usually represented as a mean, ugly humanlike monster or giant who eats people.Ogres have traditionally appeared in fairy tales and legends, but they’re also depicted in modern media, such as fantasy video games and the series of movies starring the character Shrek, who happens to be a friendly ogre.The word ogre is sometimes used in a figurative way as an insult referring to a person who’s cruel, monstrous, ugly, or brutish—or (especially) a combination of these characteristics, as in The boss at my last job was a complete ogre—he had a terrible temper and delighted in harassing and firing people. Such a person can be described with the adjective ogreish (or ogrish).A female ogre can be called an ogress, but this is not commonly used, especially since the word ogre can be used regardless of gender.Example: At the end of this level, you have to battle a huge ogre who’s trying to eat you alive.