Dastard Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dastard
[หdรฆstษrd ]
Definition
character trait
A dastard is an individual who behaves in a cowardly or treacherous manner. This term is often associated with someone who lacks courage and resorts to deceitful actions. Dastards are usually seen as despicable and are condemned for their lack of integrity. The word carries a strong connotation of disgrace and infamy due to the betrayal of trust or honor.
Synonyms
coward, craven, scoundrel, traitor, villain.
Examples of usage
- He proved to be a dastard when he abandoned his allies in battle.
- The dastard plotted behind his friend's back to take over the company.
- In the movie, the dastard was the main antagonist who used underhanded tactics.
Translations
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Origin of 'dastard'
The word 'dastard' comes from the Middle English term 'dastarde', which itself is derived from the Old French word 'dastard', meaning someone who is cowardly. The etymology of the word can be traced back to the Latin 'dastare', which means to throw away, indicating a sense of abandoning one's duties or bravery. Throughout history, the term has often been used in literature and popular culture to describe characters who engage in deceitful or cowardly behaviors. Notably, the word has often appeared in classic literature, where dastards are depicted as villains or antiheroes, highlighting their treachery and moral failings. As language evolved, 'dastard' remained in use, albeit in a more limited context, usually reserved for dramatic or literary descriptions of treachery.