Sardanapalian

[sahr-dn-uh-peyl-yuhn, -pey-lee-uhn]

adjective

1. excessively luxurious or sensual.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Sardanapalian¹

1865–70; Sardanapal ( us ) a legendary Assyrian king proverbial for his decadence (< Latin < Greek Sardanápal ( l ) os, perhaps ultimately < Akkadian Aššur-ban-apli Ashurbanipal) + -ian

Example Sentences

Steeped in luxurious indulgence—in the exercise of petty spites and Sardanapalian excesses—confident in the vigilance of their trusted sentinel, Wellington—they had not perceived the storm till it came tearing over them.

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It was a rude disturber to his Sardanapalian train of thought, as a footman gliding into the room, placed a card in his hand that carried the name of “Swinton.”

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Yes, elegant, charming follies, true;—such as people said would ruin you in your Sardanapalian magnificences,—that I admit.

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And it was for this, then, that all these Sardanapalian accusations had been piled upon my head.

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The first movement has the martial pomp and hauteur and the Sardanapalian opulence and color that mark 294 a barbaric triumph.

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