Gadfly: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ชฒ
gadfly
[ หษกรฆdหflaษช ]
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
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:
๐ต๐น mosca da fruta
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคเคฆเคเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Stechfliegen
๐ฎ๐ฉ lalat pengganggu
๐บ๐ฆ ะผัั ะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ muchoลรณwka
๐ฏ๐ต ใฆใธ่ซ
๐ซ๐ท mouche ร gadfly
๐ช๐ธ mosca
๐น๐ท sinek
๐ฐ๐ท ํ๋ฆฌ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฐุจุงุจ
๐จ๐ฟ mouchy
๐ธ๐ฐ muchy
๐จ๐ณ ่่
๐ธ๐ฎ muharica
๐ฎ๐ธ fluga
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะฐัะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แฌแแฌแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ mรผษllim
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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.