Dagger: meaning, definitions and examples

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dagger

[ˈdæɡər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

weapon

A short, pointed knife used as a weapon or for hunting. It is typically double-edged and designed for thrusting or stabbing.

Synonyms

blade, knife, shiv.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dagger	Generally used to describe a short, pointed weapon used for stabbing. Commonly referenced in historical or fantasy contexts. The knight unsheathed his dagger, ready to defend himself. In the play, Julius Caesar was famously stabbed with a dagger.
knife	A common utensil or tool used for cutting. Can refer to kitchen knives, pocket knives, and other similar tools. She used a knife to chop the onions. He always carried a pocket knife for simple tasks.
blade	Refers to the flat cutting part of a tool or weapon. Can be used in a broader sense to describe swords, knives, or other sharp instruments. The chef's blade sliced through the vegetable effortlessly. He admired the sharpness of the blade on his new sword.
shiv	Slang term often used to describe a makeshift or improvised stabbing weapon, commonly associated with prisons or illegal activities. Has a negative connotation. The inmate fashioned a shiv from a toothbrush. He was caught with a shiv hidden in his sock.

Examples of usage

He unsheathed his dagger and prepared to defend himself.
The assassin concealed a dagger in his cloak.
The dagger was finely crafted with intricate designs.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

symbolism

In literature or art, a dagger is often used as a symbol of betrayal, danger, or treachery.

Synonyms

representation, sign, symbol.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dagger	In typography, it refers to a typographical symbol (†) used to indicate a footnote if an asterisk (*) has already been used. The symbol at the end of the sentence is a dagger, pointing to an additional note at the bottom of the page.
symbol	Used to describe something that stands for or suggests something else by reason of relationship, association, convention, or accidental resemblance. The dove is a universal symbol of peace. The statue is considered a symbol of the city's rich history.
representation	Used to describe an act of presenting or depicting someone or something in a particular way or as a noun for someone acting on behalf of others. The painting is a representation of the artist's view on modern society. She was chosen as the representation of her class in the student council.
sign	Used to describe a gesture or a symbol that conveys a specific message or instruction. The stop sign at the corner of the street is hard to miss. He gave her a sign to remain quiet as they entered the room.

Examples of usage

The character's decision to use a dagger symbolized his betrayal of trust.
The painting featured a dagger dripping with blood, representing violence.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

to threaten

To dagger someone means to threaten or intimidate them, usually with a sharp object.

Synonyms

intimidate, menace, threaten.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dagger	Same as the previous 'dagger'. This might be a repeated entry. The assassin concealed the dagger under his cloak. She felt as if she'd been stabbed with a dagger of betrayal.
threaten	To threaten means to express an intention to harm or punish someone. This word clearly indicates a negative action and is often used in legal, political, or everyday conflict contexts. He threatened to call the police if they didn't leave. The company threatened to sue if the contract was broken.
intimidate	To intimidate means to make someone feel afraid, often through threats or an imposing presence. This term is used in both personal and professional contexts. The boss used his position to intimidate his employees. The large, fierce dog serves to intimidate any potential intruders.
menace	Menace can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it means to threaten harm or danger. As a noun, it refers to something or someone that poses such a threat. It has a slightly old-fashioned feel. Dark clouds menaced the horizon, signaling an impending storm. That kid is a menace to the whole neighborhood.

Examples of usage

The gangster daggered the witness to keep him from testifying.
She felt a chill as he daggered her with his cold gaze.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'dagger' comes from the Middle English 'daggere', which is derived from the Old French 'dague'.
The term can be traced back to the Latin word 'dactylus', which means 'finger', indicating how it can be held like a finger weapon.
In various languages, similar roots highlight a shared concept of this weapon, illustrating its long-standing presence in cultures worldwide.

Historical Significance

Throughout history, daggers have been prominent in self-defense and as sidearms, often carried by soldiers and nobles.
In medieval Europe, daggers like the 'stiletto' were designed for stealthy attacks, allowing for quick, close combat.
Ritualistic daggers used in ancient cultures often had ornate designs and were believed to connect people to higher powers.

Cultural References

Daggers frequently appear in literature and films as symbols of betrayal, such as in Shakespeare's works.
The iconic image of a dagger is often used in tattoos, representing love or loss in various cultures.
In some mythologies, gods or heroes wield daggers to symbolize their power and authority over life and death.

Psychology

The imagery of a dagger can evoke feelings of danger or aggression, often linked to betrayal or harm.
Studies show that sharp objects, such as daggers, can trigger fear responses in individuals, reflecting our instinct for survival.
In art therapy, the representation of weapons like daggers can help individuals explore themes of conflict and resilience.

Art and Design

Daggers have inspired various artistic styles, from intricate engravings to elaborate pommel designs in historical weaponry.
Modern interpretations of daggers can be seen in fashion and jewelry, often used as statements of strength or rebellion.
Culinary arts also utilize dagger shapes in decorative cutlery, blending functionality with aesthetic appreciation.

Translations

Translations of the word "dagger" in other languages:

🇵🇹 adaga

🇮🇳 खंजर

🇩🇪 Dolch

🇮🇩 belati

🇺🇦 кинджал

🇵🇱 sztylet

🇯🇵 短剣 (たんけん)

🇫🇷 dague

🇪🇸 daga

🇹🇷 hançer

🇰🇷 단검 (dangom)

🇸🇦 خنجر

🇨🇿 dýka

🇸🇰 dýka

🇨🇳 匕首 (bǐshǒu)

🇸🇮 bodalo

🇮🇸 rýtingur

🇰🇿 қанжар

🇬🇪 ხანჯალი

🇦🇿 xəncər

🇲🇽 daga

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,366, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
12363 dangerously
12364 droplets
12365 smelting
12366 dagger
12367 dazzling
12368 bleak
12369 retort
...