gorgon

noun, adj — 3 senses

gorgon

noun

/ˈɡɔːrɡən/

Etymology From Middle English gorgon, from Latin Gorgō, from Ancient Greek Γοργώ (Gorgṓ), from γοργός (gorgós, “terrible”). Possibly from the same root as the Sanskrit word "garğ" (गर्जन), which is defined as a guttural sound, similar to the growling of a beast, thus possibly originating as an onomatopoeia.

1

Human sciences, Mysticism, Mythology, Philosophy, Sciences Greek A vicious female monster from Greek mythology with sharp fangs and hair of living, venomous snakes. One of the three sisters: Medusa, Stheno and Euryale

2

An intimidating, ugly, or disgusting woman; anything hideous or horrid.

  • I'll shrowd this Gorgon from all humane view.1670, John Dryden, The Conquest of Granada:
  • Swilling martinis and spewing venom, Phyllis is a particularly unappetizing gorgon, telling us at one point that an acquaintance of hers is aroused by the Heimlich maneuver.2005 July 1, Washington Post:
Derived terms
Gorgonean, Gorgonesque, gorgonian, gorgonize, gorgonlike

gorgon

adj

Etymology From Middle English gorgon, from Latin Gorgō, from Ancient Greek Γοργώ (Gorgṓ), from γοργός (gorgós, “terrible”). Possibly from the same root as the Sanskrit word "garğ" (गर्जन), which is defined as a guttural sound, similar to the growling of a beast, thus possibly originating as an onomatopoeia.

1

Like a gorgon; very ugly or terrifying.

Related terms
Medusa

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.