out-Herod

American  

[aut-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)

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

out-Herod

Con O'Neill as the roaring, bisexual tetrarch is not afraid to out-Herod Herod.

From The Guardian ● Jun. 24, 2010

I have known for years that you were capable of great presumption, but in this insolent and dictatorial address you surpass yourself—you positively out-Herod Herod!

From Americanism Contrasted with Foreignism, Romanism, and Bogus Democracy in the Light of Reason, History, and Scripture; In which Certain Demagogues in Tennessee, and Elsewhere, are Shown Up in Their True Colors by William Gannaway Brownlow

The shyest of men can sometimes out-Herod Herod if not obliged to face their listeners in person.

From Ted and the Telephone by William F. (William Frederick) Stecher

It was Shakespeare who used the phrase to "out-Herod Herod," and now this is a common form of speech.

From Stories That Words Tell Us by Elizabeth (Elizabeth Speakman) O'Neill

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 Tragedy by Ashley H. Thorndike

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