Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, strong, and aggressive woman: "Virago" refers to a woman who is physically imposing, powerful, and assertive, often in a forceful or intimidating manner.
   • A noisy, scolding, or domineering woman: The word also describes a woman who is shrewish, quarrelsome, or overbearing in her speech and behavior.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • In the legend, she was portrayed as a fierce virago who led her tribe into battle.
  • The neighbors described her as a terrible virago, always shouting at her children from the porch.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Literary Usage: Historically, "virago" could be used to describe a woman of great stature, courage, or heroic spirit, though this positive connotation is now archaic. The modern usage is almost exclusively negative.
  • The ancient texts praised the queen as a virago for her leadership in defending the city. (This uses the archaic, more positive sense.)

Variants and Related Words

• Termagant (n): A harsh-tempered or overbearing woman. This is a close synonym.
  • He fled the room to escape the termagant's endless complaints.
• Shrew (n): A woman of violent temper and speech.
  • The play's plot revolves around taming a shrewish wife.
• Harridan (n): A strict, bossy, or belligerent old woman.
  • The children were terrified of the old harridan who lived down the street.

Synonyms

• Amazon: A tall, strong, athletic woman (can be neutral or positive, unlike the typically negative "virago").
• Battle-axe: (Informal) A domineering, aggressive older woman.
• Scold: A woman who nags or grumbles constantly.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(This word is a noun and does not have associated phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms that feature the word "virago" itself.)

Noun

1. a large strong and aggressive woman
2. a noisy or scolding or domineering woman