Gantlet: meaning, definitions and examples
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gantlet
[ ˈɡantlɪt ]
challenge, test
A 'gantlet' refers to a type of challenge or ordeal that one must endure. Originating from the phrase 'running the gantlet', it describes a situation where a person must pass between two lines of people who are striking at them, symbolizing a trial by fire or harsh criticism. This term is often used metaphorically to describe any difficult experience that tests a person's resolve or character. It is commonly related to military or historical contexts but has found its way into general usage to describe any challenging experience.
Synonyms
challenge, ordeal, test, trial
Examples of usage
- He had to run the gantlet of criticism after his controversial speech.
- Surviving the gantlet of training camp prepared him for the challenges ahead.
- She felt like she was running the gantlet during the intense job interview.
Translations
Translations of the word "gantlet" in other languages:
🇵🇹 guante
- desafio
- obstáculo
🇮🇳 ग्लव
- चुनौती
- अवरोध
🇩🇪 Handschuh
- Herausforderung
- Hindernis
🇮🇩 sarung tangan
- tantangan
- rintangan
🇺🇦 рукавиця
- виклик
- перешкода
🇵🇱 rękawica
- wyzwanie
- przeszkoda
🇯🇵 手袋
- 挑戦
- 障害
🇫🇷 gant
- défi
- obstacle
🇪🇸 guante
- desafío
- obstáculo
🇹🇷 eldiven
- meydan okuma
- engel
🇰🇷 장갑
- 도전
- 장애물
🇸🇦 قفاز
- تحدي
- عائق
🇨🇿 rukavice
- výzva
- překážka
🇸🇰 rukavica
- výzva
- prekážka
🇨🇳 手套
- 挑战
- 障碍
🇸🇮 rokavica
- izziv
- ovira
🇮🇸 hanska
- áskorun
- hindrun
🇰🇿 қолғап
- сұрақ
- кедергі
🇬🇪 ხელთათმა
- გამოიწვევა
- ბარიერი
🇦🇿 qolça
- sınaq
- maneə
🇲🇽 guante
- desafío
- obstáculo
Etymology
The word 'gantlet' originated in the early 17th century and is derived from the phrase 'to run the gantlet', which meant to go through a series of punishments or trials, originally executed by soldiers. The term likely evolved from the earlier 'gauntlet', which also references a type of glove but, in this context, refers to the idea of facing opponents or obstacles. The concept has historical roots in military discipline, where soldiers might have to run between two lines of their peers who would strike at them as a form of punishment or test of courage. Over time, the term has transitioned into a metaphorical use, applying to various life situations where an individual faces difficult challenges, criticisms, or trials that test their mettle.