Termagant

A termagant refers to a quarrelsome, overbearing, or irritable woman, often characterized by excessive assertiveness or aggressive behavior. Historically, the term is derived from a mythical figure in medieval literature who was depicted as a violent and controlling deity. In contemporary usage, it often describes a woman who is overly domineering, particularly within personal or domestic contexts.

Termagant meaning with examples

• The termagant in the household dictated every aspect of daily life, from the meals prepared to the guests invited for dinner, making sure her opinions were the only ones that mattered. Her family often felt like they were walking on eggshells, navigating her volatile moods while desperately seeking moments of peace amid her relentless demands.
• In the office, her reputation as a termagant preceded her, and many employees dreaded meetings with her. Her fiery temperament and constant criticism left little room for constructive dialogue, often stifling creativity and collaboration. It became a known rule that one must tread carefully around her, lest they provoke her infamous wrath.
• As a termagant mother, she fiercely defended her children, intervening in every minor conflict, leaving little room for them to learn how to resolve their own disputes. While her dedication to her children's well-being was admirable, her overbearing nature often led to resentment and rebellion, straining their relationships in the long run.
• Despite her charm in social gatherings, she revealed her termagant side when disagreements arose. Friends learned quickly that to challenge her opinions was to invite a storm of complaints and loud rebuttals. Some chose to avoid contentious topics altogether, preferring to maintain the peace rather than provoke her infamous temper.