What does gauntlet mean?
Gauntlet is most commonly used for a severe test or ordeal: a demanding challenge that tests a person's courage, endurance, skill, or resolve. Phrases such as run the gauntlet and throw down the gauntlet reflect its older associations with challenge and danger. The word also names a protective glove, especially the leather or metal glove worn by medieval knights and soldiers. Historically, throwing a glove or gauntlet to the ground could serve as a formal challenge, helping give rise to the figurative sense of inviting confrontation. In modern usage, the figurative meaning is by far the most common, while the physical glove is chiefly encountered in historical, literary, or specialized contexts. The related verb, meaning to challenge someone to combat or a contest, is archaic but survives in formal and literary language.
A severe test or ordeal, especially one involving hardship, danger, or endurance. Also a protective glove, particularly one worn as part of armor.
"Crossing the mountain pass was a brutal gauntlet for the expedition."
The figurative sense is standard in British and American English; the glove sense is chiefly historical or specialized.
To challenge someone to combat or a contest; historically, also to put on a gauntlet.
"He gauntleted his rival, challenging him to a duel."
This verb is archaic and uncommon in contemporary English.
The plural is used for individual protective gloves and, figuratively, for multiple severe tests or challenges.
"The knights polished their gauntlets before the battle."
Gauntlet began as a piece of armor: throwing one down became a challenge, and enduring it came to mean an ordeal.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How gauntlet is actually used
The word is neutral to formal when referring to a difficult trial, but it often carries a connotation of severity or prolonged difficulty. The glove sense is mainly historical or specialized. The verb is now uncommon and generally sounds archaic or literary.
Easily confused with gauntlet
Gantlet is a variant spelling of gauntlet rather than a separate word with a different meaning.