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

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

From The Guardian • Jun. 24, 2010

If inclined to be wild they are apt to out-Herod Herod.

From Marmaduke Merry A Tale of Naval Adventures in Bygone Days by Kingston, William Henry Giles

Let him split the ears of the groundlings, let him out-Herod Herod,—the judicious might grieve, but all would be excitedly attentive.

From Selections From the Works of John Ruskin by Ruskin, John

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

From Cecil Castlemaine's Gage, Lady Marabout's Troubles, and Other Stories by Ouida

"Oh dear!" cried Amy, "if I were left alone in the care of your flower-room, I should out-Herod Herod in the slaughter of the innocents."

From Nature's Serial Story by Roe, Edward Payson