dragon
UK[ˈdræɡən]US[ˈdræɡən]
n
A large, imaginary animal in stories that has wings and a long tail and can breathe out fire.
n
A fierce or intimidating person, especially a woman.
Etymology
The journey of 'dragon' begins with the ancient Greek 'drakōn', a term for a large serpent or sea monster, which itself is rooted in the Proto-Indo-European concept of 'seeing' as expressed in the verb 'derk-'. This etymological link suggests the creature was originally characterized by its piercing, watchful, or fearsome gaze. Through Latin, the word was adopted into Old French and subsequently into Middle English around the 13th century, solidifying its place in European mythology. Over time, its meaning expanded from a mythical beast to a metaphor for a fiercely formidable or vigilant person, retaining the core idea of fearsome power derived from its legendary origins.
Analysis
The word 'dragon' is a simplex loanword. It entered English from Old French 'dragon', which derived from Latin 'draconem' (nominative 'draco'), meaning 'serpent, dragon'. The Latin term came from Greek 'drakōn', meaning 'serpent, giant seafish', which is believed to be from the Greek verb 'derkesthai', meaning 'to see clearly', suggesting the creature was perceived as having a sharp or deadly gaze.
Examples
The knight bravely faced the fire-breathing dragon.
She was known as the dragon of the department, terrifying all the new interns.
Many cultures have legends featuring a dragon as a symbol of chaos or great power.