Definition

1. Verb:
   • To put (a weapon, especially a knife or sword) into its protective covering or scabbard.
   • To cover or encase something with a protective layer or material.
   • (Archaic/rare) To plunge or thrust (a blade) into flesh.

Usage

• The primary use of "sheathe" is to describe the action of putting a bladed weapon away into its case.
• It can also be used metaphorically to describe covering or enclosing something for protection.
• It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object (e.g., sheathe ).

Examples

• Verb:
  • The knight commanded his squire to sheathe the sword after the battle.
  • The cables were sheathed in plastic to prevent corrosion.
  • (Archaic) He threatened to sheathe his dagger in the enemy's heart.

Advanced Usage

• "to sheathe the sword": This is a common phrase meaning to stop fighting, to make peace, or to end hostilities.
  • The two warring nations finally agreed to sheathe the sword and begin negotiations.

Variants and Related Words

• Sheath (n): A close-fitting cover, especially for the blade of a knife or sword.
  • He drew the knife from its leather sheath.
• Sheathing (n): A protective casing or covering.
  • The sheathing on the wire was damaged.
• Unsheathe (v): The opposite action; to draw or pull (a weapon) out of its sheath.
  • The soldier unsheathed his sword.

Synonyms

• Encase: To enclose or cover in a case.
• Cover: To place something over or upon.
• Envelop: To wrap up, cover, or surround completely.

Antonyms

• Unsheathe: To draw from a sheath.
• Draw: To pull out (a weapon).
• Bare: To uncover or expose.

Related Phrases

• Sheathe one's claws: (Figurative) To become less aggressive or threatening; to retract criticism.
  • After the initial argument, he sheathed his claws and spoke more calmly.

Verb

1. plunge or bury (a knife or sword) in flesh
2. enclose with a sheath
   • sheathe a sword
3. cover with a protective sheathing
   • sheathe her face