harridan

noun

har·​ri·​dan ˈher-ə-dən How to pronounce harridan (audio)
ˈha-rə-
Synonyms of harridannext
: shrew sense 2

Synonyms

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Examples of harridan in a Sentence

the film portrays the figure skater's mother as a strict and controlling harridan
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And Day, with a face of expressive misery and the energy of an imploding firecracker, portrays her as a shrewd fusion of harridan and victim. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 Aug. 2024 The subtext throughout is that Tendler is a harridan, a domineering scold. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 16 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

perhaps modification of French haridelle old horse, gaunt woman

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of harridan was in 1678

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Cite this Entry

“Harridan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harridan. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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