Pronunciation: [ˈe͡ɪhab] (IPA) 
The word "Ahab," which refers to the biblical king of Israel, is spelled with three letters, "A," "h," and "b." In International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription, the word is pronounced /ˈeɪhæb/. The first sound /ˈeɪ/ represents the long "a" sound as in "hate," followed by the "h" sound /h/ and the short "a" sound /æ/, as in "cat." The final sound, /b/, represents the voiced bilabial stop or a soft "b" sound.
Ahab is a proper noun that primarily refers to the central character in the famous novel Moby-Dick, written by Herman Melville and published in 1851. In the literary context, Ahab is widely recognized as the complex and tragic protagonist, the captain of the whaling ship Pequod, whose relentless pursuit of a white whale named Moby Dick ultimately leads to his downfall.
Beyond its literary reference, "Ahab" may also be used more broadly as an archetypal representation of an obsessive or fanatical individual who becomes consumed by a single goal or vendetta, to the detriment of their own well-being. The term "Ahab" has thus become a metaphorical symbol for any person exhibiting extreme determination, often at the expense of moral judgment or sanity.
Additionally, in certain contexts, "Ahab" may be employed as a derogatory term to criticize someone who exhibits tyrannical qualities, demonstrating a domineering or authoritarian behavior in a position of power. This usage suggests that the individual shares similarities with Captain Ahab's character traits, such as stubbornness, oppression, or a ruthless pursuit of personal desires.
Overall, whether referring to the fictional character in Melville's novel, the archetype of obsessiveness, or a disparaging portrayal of an oppressive leader, the term "Ahab" carries connotations of obsession, single-mindedness, and often tragic consequences.
The word "ahab" is not commonly found in English with a specific meaning. However, if you are referring to the name "Ahab", it has its origins in the Hebrew language. The name "Ahab" (אַחְאָב) appears in the Bible, specifically in the Books of Kings. In Hebrew, it is written with the letters Aleph (א), Het (ח), and Bet (ב).
The etymology of "Ahab" in Hebrew is uncertain, as its specific meaning is unknown. Different theories suggest possible connections, such as being derived from the Hebrew word "ahav" (אַהַב), which means "to love" or "to desire". However, this remains speculative, and the true origin and meaning of the name "Ahab" are still debated among scholars.
