termagant
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of termagant
1175–1225; Middle English Termagaunt, earlier Tervagaunt, alteration of Old French Tervagan name of the imaginary deity
Explanation
Termagant is an insulting name for a woman who likes to nag, scold, or complain. Termagant is an old-fashioned insult for a woman. A termagant is like a shrew (another old-fashioned term). Termagants are always in a bad mood, whining and complaining, and generally making life miserable for everyone around them. You might also see termagant used as an adjective, as in "that termagant wife of yours is trouble." The noun termagant comes from a made-up violent god that frequently appeared in European medieval literature.
Vocabulary lists containing termagant
"The Devil and Tom Walker" by Washington Irving
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"The Tragedy of Hamlet," Vocabulary from Act 3
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Spoon River Anthology
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It was someone laying down the law — without worrying that a man would label her a virago or harridan or termagant.
From New York Times ● Dec. 7, 2019
As an astringent, tipsy termagant, she’s so hilarious, appalling and endearing that she could carry the production all by herself.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 11, 2015
I appreciate this one because we so rarely hear what the groom ends up thinking when he watches his betrothed turn into a termagant.
From Slate ● Feb. 27, 2012
Her eldest son, Alec, returns home with his termagant wife when their house collapses.
From The Guardian ● Oct. 26, 2010
For the sake of the lesson, it should be understood that she was thus truly benevolent and kindly, and no vulgar termagant or scold.
From Harriet Martineau by Miller, Florence Fenwick
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
