SWORD Meaning and
Definition
-
A sword is a long-bladed weapon that typically possesses a sharp cutting edge and a sturdy handle or hilt. It is primarily designed for thrusting, slashing, and cutting in close combat. The blade of a sword is usually made of metal, crafted with precision and often features a centralized ridge called a fuller to reinforce its strength without adding excessive weight.
Swords are characterized by their versatility, historical significance, and their association with various cultures and civilizations throughout history. They have been employed both as tools of warfare and symbols of power. The length and shape of swords can differ greatly depending on their time period and intended use. Some notable types include the arming sword, longsword, rapier, scimitar, and katana.
The hilt of a sword, also called the handle, is designed to provide a safe and secure grip to the user. It may include a crossguard, which protects the hand and aids in parrying or blocking incoming strikes. Additionally, many swords incorporate a pommel at the end of the hilt, which helps balance the weapon and can be used as a blunt weapon in close-quarters combat.
Swords have played a pivotal role in the art of fencing, a combat sport that emphasizes skill, technique, and strategy. They have also been featured prominently in literature, mythology, and folklore as legendary weapons wielded by heroes, warriors, and mythical beings.
-
A warlike weapon made of steel, consisting of a long knife-like blade, one side being a sharp cutting edge, and having a handle at one end-used as a weapon for stabbing and cutting; destruction by war; vengeance or justice; emblem of power or of triumph.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SWORD *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SWORD
Etymology of SWORD
The word "sword" originated from the Old English word "sweord", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic root word "*swerdaz". This Germanic root is believed to trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*swerd(h)-", meaning "to hurt" or "to cut". The word has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as Old Norse "sverð" and Gothic "swaird", further highlighting its ancient origins.
Idioms with the word SWORD
-
the Sword of Damocles hangs over someone's head
The idiom "the Sword of Damocles hangs over someone's head" means that a constant and imminent threat or danger is present in someone's life, causing them to live in constant fear or anxiety. It refers to a tale from ancient Greece where Damocles, a courtier of King Dionysius II, had a sword suspended by a single hair above his head, symbolizing the constant danger and uncertainty of his position. Thus, the idiom indicates a state of unease and apprehension due to the presence of a potential harm or risk.
-
a double-edged sword (or weapon)
The idiom "a double-edged sword (or weapon)" refers to something that has both positive and negative effects or consequences. It implies that something can bring benefits but can also be harmful or can create unintended problems at the same time. Just like a double-edged sword, it cuts both ways, symbolizing both the advantages and disadvantages of a particular situation, action, or decision.
-
a two-edged sword
The idiom "a two-edged sword" refers to something that can have both positive and negative consequences or effects. It implies that a particular situation or action, while having its advantages, also carries risks or drawbacks. Just like a sword with two sharp edges, it can cut in multiple directions, often resulting in both favorable and unfavorable outcomes simultaneously.
-
the pen is mightier than the sword
The idiom "the pen is mightier than the sword" means that the power of words and communication (writing or speaking) is stronger and more influential than the use of force or violence. It highlights the idea that expressing ideas and thoughts skillfully can have a greater impact and bring about lasting change compared to using physical force.
-
Live by the sword, die by the sword.
The idiom "Live by the sword, die by the sword" typically means that the violent methods or actions one uses to achieve their goals or harm others can eventually lead to their own downfall or demise. It suggests that those who resort to aggression or warfare should expect to face the same fate themselves.
-
pen is mightier than the sword
The idiom "pen is mightier than the sword" means that knowledge, communication, and writing have more influence and power over people and events than the use of force or violence.
-
be a double-edged sword
The idiom "be a double-edged sword" refers to a situation or action that can have both positive and negative consequences or effects. It implies that something can be both beneficial and detrimental at the same time, much like a sword with two sharp edges that can cut both ways.
-
a doubleedged sword
The idiom "a double-edged sword" refers to something that has both positive and negative aspects or consequences. Just like a sword with two sharp edges, it can be advantageous or beneficial in some situations, but also potentially harmful or disadvantageous in others.
-
twoedged sword
The idiom "two-edged sword" refers to a situation, action, or decision that has both positive and negative consequences or effects. It implies that something can be advantageous in one way but detrimental in another, similar to how a double-edged sword can cut from both sides.
-
fall on one's sword
The idiom "fall on one's sword" is an expression that originated from ancient Rome. It means to take responsibility for a mistake or failure by accepting blame or punishment, often to protect others. It implies sacrificing oneself or one's reputation in order to save others from the consequences.
-
the sword of Damocles hangs over (one's) (head)
The idiom "the sword of Damocles hangs over (one's) (head)" refers to a situation in which someone is living under constant threat or danger. It originates from a Greek mythological story in which a sword was suspended by a single hair above Damocles, symbolizing the constant danger and uncertainty that he faced. Therefore, the phrase implies that someone is in a precarious position with a potential calamity looming over them.
-
put sb to the sword
The idiom "put sb to the sword" means to execute or kill someone, often referring to a large number of people being murdered or massacred. It typically implies a brutal or violent death, usually by beheading with a sword or other weapon. This phrase is often associated with historical warfare, conquests, or acts of aggression.
-
a sword of Damocles hangs over head
The idiom "a sword of Damocles hangs over head" refers to a constant state of impending danger or serious threat that could result in a catastrophic or disastrous outcome. It symbolizes a potentially dire situation or consequence that looms over someone's life or circumstances, causing great anxiety and fear. This phrase is derived from an ancient Greek legend, where Damocles, a courtier of King Dionysius, had a sword suspended over his head by a single horsehair to illustrate the constant peril and insecurity experienced by those in positions of power.
-
be put to the sword
The definition of the idiom "be put to the sword" is to be killed or executed by being struck with a sword. It refers to a violent and brutal form of execution, often used in historical contexts.
-
a sword of Damocles hangs over (one's) head
The idiom "a sword of Damocles hangs over (one's) head" refers to a situation or impending danger that is constantly looming and could strike at any moment. It symbolizes a sense of imminent threat or fear that someone may experience, often arising from a specific obligation, responsibility, or pending consequence.
-
double edged sword
The idiom "double-edged sword" refers to a situation or action that has both positive and negative aspects or consequences. It implies that something can have both beneficial and harmful effects.
-
fall on sword
The idiom "fall on sword" refers to a situation where someone accepts blame or takes responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing, often facing severe consequences or punishment as a result. It originates from the historical practice of Roman military commanders committing suicide by falling on their own sword to atone for failure or defeat. In a broader sense, the phrase signifies sacrificing oneself or taking the blame to protect others or maintain honor and integrity.
-
the Sword of Damocles hangs over someone
The idiom "the Sword of Damocles hangs over someone" refers to a situation where a person is constantly living with the threat of imminent danger or a pending disaster. It originates from the ancient Greek parable of Damocles, who was a courtier to a tyrant king. The king, in an attempt to show Damocles the perils of leadership, allowed him to sit on the throne with a sword suspended above it by a single horsehair. This precarious position symbolizes the constant fear and risk that someone may face in a particular situation.
-
two-edged sword
The idiom "two-edged sword" is used to describe something that has both positive and negative aspects or consequences. Similar to a double-edged sword, which is sharp on both sides and can cut in either direction, a situation, decision, or action that is described as a "two-edged sword" can have both beneficial and harmful effects.
-
put to the sword
The idiom "put to the sword" refers to the act of killing someone, usually in a brutal or violent manner, often as a form of execution or punishment. It signifies the use of a sword or similar weapon to end someone's life.
-
a double-edged sword
The idiom "a double-edged sword" refers to something that has both positive and negative consequences or effects, implying that it can be beneficial in some ways while also causing harm or drawbacks in other aspects.
-
sword of Damocles
The idiom "sword of Damocles" refers to a constant and imminent threat or danger that hangs over someone, causing them great anxiety or fear. It originates from a Greek myth where a sword was suspended by a single hair over the head of Damocles, symbolizing the constant potential for disaster or punishment.
-
a sword of Damocles hangs over sb's head
The idiom "a sword of Damocles hangs over sb's head" is used to describe a situation where someone is constantly living under the threat or impending danger of something bad happening. It implies that there is a metaphorical sword hanging by a thread above a person's head, representing a looming and imminent peril or risk.
-
those who live by the sword, die by the sword
The idiom "those who live by the sword, die by the sword" refers to the idea that if someone resorts to violence or harmful actions in dealing with others, they are likely to face similar consequences themselves. It suggests that one's own actions and choices can ultimately lead to their downfall or negative outcome.
-
he who lives by the sword dies by the sword
The phrase "he who lives by the sword dies by the sword" is an idiom that means someone who uses violence or aggression to solve problems or achieve their goals is likely to suffer a similar fate in the end. It suggests that if a person relies on violent behavior, they are bound to encounter violent consequences or meet a violent end themselves. This idiom highlights the concept of karma or the idea that one's actions have consequences that can eventually catch up with them.
-
be a double-edged sword/weapon
This idiom means that a particular situation or action has both positive and negative consequences or effects. It can be beneficial in some ways but harmful in others. Just like a double-edged sword, it cuts both ways.
-
at sword's point
The idiom "at sword's point" means in a state of conflict or hostility, often implying that a physical or verbal altercation is about to occur.
Similar spelling words for SWORD
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
