harpy
pronunciation
How to pronounce harpy in British English:
UK [ˈhɑ:pi]
How to pronounce harpy in American English:
US [ˈhɑrpi]
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- Noun:
- a malicious fierce-tempered woman
- any of various fruit bats of the genus Nyctimene distinguished by nostrils drawn out into diverging tubes
- large black-and-white crested eagle of tropical America
Word Origin
- harpy (n.)
- winged monster of ancient mythology, late 14c., from Old French harpie (14c.), from Latin harpyia, from Greek Harpyia (plural), literally "snatchers," which is probably related to harpazein "to snatch" (see rapid (adj.)). Metaphoric extension to "repulsively greedy person" is c. 1400. In Homer they are merely personified storm winds, who were believed to have carried off any person that had suddenly disappeared. In Hesiod they are fair-haired and winged maidens who surpass the winds in swiftness, and are called Aello and Ocypete; but in later writers they are represented as disgusting monsters, with heads like maidens, faces pale with hunger, and claws like those of birds. The harpies ministered to the gods as the executors of vengeance. ["American Cyclopædia," 1874]
Example
- 1. But emotionally I 'm a level ten harpy .
- 2. What a wicked old harpy you really are .
- 3. Harpy hags strike quick and are gone before you have a chance to retaliate .
- 4. No , I can spare your charm , my harpy ocean , spare your charm .
- 5. Fate has reminded me not to be such a judgmental harpy .