What does termagant mean?
Termagant is a literary noun for a person—traditionally imagined as a woman—who is harsh, domineering, quarrelsome, and difficult to manage. It often implies an unpleasant temper and an insistence on controlling other people, rather than merely expressing occasional irritation. In modern use the word is old-fashioned and derogatory, so it is chiefly found in formal prose, historical writing, quotation, or deliberately heightened speech; less abrasive alternatives might include bully, tyrant, or overbearing person. A termagant can appear in fiction as a stock character: the formidable parent, spouse, colleague, or official whose anger or authority dominates a scene. The word’s usefulness lies in its vivid historical flavor and its precise social implication. It does not simply mean “a difficult person,” but suggests someone whose bad temper and domineering behavior make the people around them feel overwhelmed or powerless. Because it often carries a gendered implication, it should be used with care and only where that connotation is intended.
nounA harsh, domineering, and quarrelsome person, especially a woman. The term often implies someone whose temper or forceful behavior makes others feel intimidated or overwhelmed.
- A harsh, domineering, and difficult person, especially a woman.
"Her termagant manner made every meeting feel like a battle."
"The actor portrayed her character as a termagant who frightened the entire household."
"He refused to tolerate his termagant uncle's behavior at the dinner table."
The plural is termagants.
"The play portrays two rival termagants fighting for control of the estate."
Termagant is an old-fashioned verbal thunderstorm: a person whose temper seems to command every room.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does termagant come from?
The word entered Middle English during the medieval period, when it was used for a harsh or domineering person. Its connection with medieval French is commonly noted, but its ultimate origin is uncertain. It later became a literary and somewhat archaic term, especially associated with an overbearing woman.
How termagant is actually used
This is a literary, old-fashioned, and derogatory word. It is often gendered, referring particularly to a woman, and should be used with care when that implication is intended.