noun
gorgon
GOR-gun/ˈɡɔːrɡən/
A terrifying woman, especially one with a fierce appearance.
The fierce-looking woman is portrayed as a gorgon as another adult recoils.
Etymology
Greek 'grim ones' was transferred in English to a terrifyingly ugly person, then a fierce woman.
More examples
- The novel's villain calls the stern teacher a gorgon.
- She resents being caricatured as a gorgon.
Forms
gorgon
Similar words
- termagant
- An insulting term emphasizing a harsh, quarrelsome woman.
- battle-axe
- An informal derogatory term for a forceful or intimidating woman.