out-Herod

American  

[out-her-uhd] / ˌaʊtˈhɛr əd /

verb (used with object)

1. to outdo in extravagance, violence, or excess.

   His cruelty out-Herods Herod.

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out-Herod British  

verb

1. (tr) to surpass in evil, excesses, or cruelty

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Etymology

Origin of out-Herod

1595–1605; out- + Herod (Antipas)

Example Sentences

But there’s also a dynamic in which each candidate is compelled to out-Herod Herod.

From Salon

The most marked trait, however, of these minor tragedies is their eagerness to out-Herod Herod and to make good their weakness in dramatic truth by means of stage horrors or rant.

From Project Gutenberg

You out-Herod Calvin in his blackest moods.'

From Project Gutenberg

Simon could "out-Herod Herod" in doing all this.

From Project Gutenberg

I always say the Regency-men inaugurated it, and their sons and grandsons out-Herod Herod.

From Project Gutenberg