shark

¹

[shahrk]

noun

1. any of a group of elongate elasmobranch, mostly marine fishes, certain species of which are large, voracious, and sometimes dangerous to humans.

shark

²

[shahrk]

noun

1. a person who preys greedily on others, as by cheating or usury.

2. Informal.,  a person who has unusual ability in a particular field.

verb (used with object)

1. Archaic.,  to obtain by trickery or fraud; steal.

verb (used without object)

1. Archaic.,  to live by shifts and stratagems.

shark

¹

/ ʃɑːk /

noun

1. a person who preys on or victimizes others, esp by swindling or extortion

verb

1. archaic,  to obtain (something) by cheating or deception

shark

²

/ ʃɑːk /

noun

1. any of various usually ferocious selachian fishes, typically marine with a long body, two dorsal fins, rows of sharp teeth, and between five and seven gill slits on each side of the head

Other Word Forms

• sharklike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shark¹

First recorded in 1560–70; origin uncertain

Origin of shark²

1590–1600; < German dialect Schork, variant of Schurke rascal

Word History and Origins

Origin of shark¹

C18: probably from German Schurke rogue; perhaps also influenced by _shark ¹

Origin of shark²

C16: of uncertain origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. jump the shark, to begin a decline in quality, popularity, relevance, etc., after reaching a peak.

   Some TV shows have jumped the shark once a popular cast member left the show.

Related Words

• astute 
• cagey 
• canny 
• crafty 
• farsighted 
• ingenious 
• judicious 
• keen 
• penetrating 
• perceptive 
• probing 
• prudent 
• sensible 
• sharp 
• slick 
• sly 
• smart 
• wily 
• wise