Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

termagant

noun
/ˈtərməˌɡant/
Definition
A violent, mad, or overbearing woman.
Examples
  • Despite her soft-spoken nature, some viewed her as a termagant in her professional dealings.
  • The termagant of the story often overwhelmed the other characters with her fierce attitude.
Meaning
The term ‘termagant’ refers to a woman who is aggressive or domineering in her behavior. Historically, it was used to describe a mythical deity that was thought to be a source of chaos and discord.
Synonyms
  • shrew
  • harpy
  • virago
  • termagant
  • scold