gorgon

/'gɔ:gən/

Thân thiện

A hero gazes upon a gorgon's face in a mythical temple.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A terrifying female creature from Greek mythology: In classical mythology, a Gorgon is one of three monstrous sisters, most famously Medusa, who had snakes for hair and whose gaze could turn onlookers to stone.
   • (Figurative) A frightening or repulsive woman: Used to describe a woman who is perceived as terrifyingly ugly, fierce, or intimidating.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Mythological):

  • Perseus used a mirrored shield to avoid the direct gaze of the gorgon Medusa.
  • The statue depicted the hero holding the severed head of the gorgon.

• Noun (Figurative):

  • The strict headmistress was regarded as a gorgon by the students.
  • He described his former boss as an absolute gorgon.

Advanced Usage

• "a gorgon stare": A fixed, fierce, or petrifying look.
  • She silenced the room with a gorgon stare.

Variants and Related Words

• Gorgonian (adj): Pertaining to or resembling a Gorgon.
  • The mask had a gorgonian visage.
• Gorgoneion (n): In ancient art, a representation of a Gorgon's head, often used as an apotropaic (protective) symbol.
  • The shield was decorated with a gorgoneion to ward off evil.

Synonyms

• Hag: An ugly old woman (often used pejoratively).
• Harridan: A strict, bossy, or belligerent old woman.
• Monster: A cruel or frightening person.

Related Idioms

• "To have a gaze that could turn someone to stone": An idiom inspired by the Gorgon myth, meaning to have an extremely cold, harsh, or paralyzing stare.
  • The critic's gaze could turn you to stone.

Học thuật

Noun

1. (Greek mythology) any of three winged sister monsters and the mortal Medusa who had live snakes for hair; a glance at Medusa turned the beholder to stone

Từ đồng nghĩa

• gorgon