Gadfly: meaning, definitions and examples

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gadfly

 

[ หˆษกรฆdหŒflaษช ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

type of insect

A gadfly is a type of fly known for irritating livestock, especially horses and cattle. The term can also apply metaphorically to a person who annoys others, often in the context of questioning or challenging authority.

Synonyms

irritant, nuisance, pest

Examples of usage

  • The gadfly buzzed around the horse, causing it to stomp its feet.
  • He was considered a gadfly in the political arena, always asking tough questions.
  • The farmer was frustrated by the gadflies that disturbed his cattle.
  • Sometimes, being a gadfly can be essential for social change.

Translations

Translations of the word "gadfly" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น mosca da fruta

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เค‚เคฆเค—เฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Stechfliegen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ lalat pengganggu

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผัƒั…ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ muchoล‚รณwka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ฆใ‚ธ่™ซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท mouche ร  gadfly

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ mosca

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sinek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํŒŒ๋ฆฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฐุจุงุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mouchy

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ muchy

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่‹่‡

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ muharica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fluga

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะฐัะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฌแƒ˜แƒฌแƒ˜แƒšแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mรผษ™llim

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ mosca

Word origin

The term 'gadfly' originates from the Old English word 'gad' meaning 'to goad' or 'to incite,' combined with 'fly,' which refers to the insect itself. Historically, gadflies are well-known for their persistent and annoying behavior, stinging or irritating livestock, thus earning the name. In literature, notably in the works of Socrates as recorded by Plato, the proverbial gadfly is a figure who provokes and challenges societal norms, encouraging critical thinking and dialogue. This dual meaning has allowed the term to evolve in modern usage, where it describes individuals who engage in disruptive questioning to provoke thought and change, similar to the way the insect irritates its victims. Over time, 'gadfly' has become a metaphor in political and social contexts for those who challenge the status quo.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,701 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.