Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

harpy

noun
/ˈhɑːrpi/
Definition
A mythical creature from Greek mythology, often depicted as having the body of a bird and the face of a woman.
Examples
  • In the story, the harpy swooped down and stole the food from the travelers.
  • She was called a harpy for her harsh criticism of the team’s performance.
Meaning
In modern usage, ‘harpy’ can refer to an aggressive or threatening woman.
Synonyms
  • Scold
  • Shrew
  • Termagant