Definition

Proper noun: - A fictional English naval officer: Horatio Hornblower is the protagonist of a series of historical novels by C. S. Forester. The character is depicted as a skilled, intelligent, and courageous officer in the British Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, rising from midshipman to admiral.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • I have read every book about Horatio Hornblower.
  • The character Horatio Hornblower embodies the ideals of duty and ingenuity.
  • Many fans admire Horatio Hornblower for his strategic mind.

Advanced Usage

• The name "Horatio Hornblower" is often used as a cultural reference to denote a quintessential, heroic naval officer from the Age of Sail.
  • In his meticulous planning, the project manager was like a modern Horatio Hornblower.

Variants and Related Words

• Hornblower (noun): A common shortened or informal reference to the character Horatio Hornblower.
  • He's a real Hornblower when it comes to navigating complex regulations.

Synonyms

• Fictional hero: A protagonist of a story, especially one known for bravery.
• Naval protagonist: A main character in a story set in a naval context.

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically refers to the literary character created by C.S. Forester. It is not used to describe real historical figures, though the character is inspired by the exploits of real naval officers from the era.

Noun

1. a fictional English admiral during the Napoleonic Wars in novels written by C. S. Forester