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Harpoon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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harpoon

[hษ‘หหˆpuหn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fishing tool

A harpoon is a long spear-like instrument used in fishing to catch large fish or marine mammals. It typically has a barbed tip to prevent the prey from escaping once it has been impaled.

Synonyms

gig, lance, spear.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
harpoon

Harpoon is most commonly used in the context of fishing, especially for hunting large marine animals like whales. It is typically a long, spear-like instrument attached to a rope.

  • The fishermen used a harpoon to catch the whale.
  • He expertly hurled the harpoon at the massive fish.
spear

Spear is a broad term for a long weapon with a pointed end used for hunting or combat. It is versatile and can be referenced in both historical and modern contexts.

  • The tribesmen hunted with spears.
  • He threw the spear with all his strength during the competition.
lance

Lance is used in the context of medieval warfare or jousting. It is a long weapon used by knights, often while riding a horse.

  • The knight lowered his lance and charged at his opponent.
  • During the tournament, he broke his lance in the first round.
gig

Gig refers to a long pole with prongs at the end, often used for spearing fish or frogs in shallow water. It is used in more casual or small-scale fishing scenarios.

  • They went gigging for frogs by the pond last night.
  • He grabbed his gig and waded into the shallow water.

Examples of usage

  • The fisherman threw the harpoon at the whale.
  • The indigenous people used harpoons to hunt seals in the Arctic waters.
Context #2 | Verb

hunting action

To harpoon means to catch or hunt with a harpoon. It involves throwing the harpoon at the target with the aim of piercing and capturing it.

Synonyms

capture, pierce, spear.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
harpoon

Similar to the previous definition, used in the context of hunting and fishing large aquatic animals. It may also metaphorically represent targeting something or someone with precision.

  • The whalers prepared their harpoons for the hunt.
  • He felt like someone had harpooned his heart with their words.
spear

Refers to a long stick with a sharp pointed end, historically used as a weapon for hunting or in combat. Can also be used metaphorically.

  • The ancient warriors fought with spears.
  • He speared the meat with a fork.
pierce

Implies making a hole through something with a sharp object. Commonly used in medical, emotional, or physical contexts.

  • She had her ears pierced.
  • A loud scream pierced the silence of the night.
capture

Used in a broader, more general sense for taking anyone or anything into custody or control, not usually implying violence or harm. Often found in contexts like photography, video recording, or conquering.

  • The police were able to capture the suspect.
  • She managed to capture a beautiful sunset in her photograph.

Examples of usage

  • The whalers harpooned several whales during their expedition.
  • The fishermen harpooned a swordfish in the open sea.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Significance

  • In the past, harpoons were essential for the whaling industry, enabling hunters to catch large marine animals.
  • Some indigenous cultures, such as the Inuit, have used harpoons for thousands of years, demonstrating their significance in traditional hunting.

Pop Culture

  • Harpoons appear in popular stories and movies about sea adventures, like Moby Dick, emphasizing their role in whaling lore.
  • In video games like Assassinโ€™s Creed IV: Black Flag, players can use harpoons to hunt sea creatures, showcasing nautical skills.

Science and Technology

  • Modern harpoons are developed with advanced materials, enabling greater precision and efficiency in deep-sea fishing expeditions.
  • Some scientific research uses harpoons for collecting biological samples from marine animals without harming them.

Psychology

  • The use of harpoons in hunting reflects human ingenuity and adaptation, creating tools that serve specialized purposes.
  • Understanding the technique behind harpooning illustrates the challenges humans face in mastering their environment.

Origin of 'harpoon'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'harpoon' comes from the French word 'harpon,' which means 'to seize.'
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Latin 'harpลซnฤซ,' meaning 'hook.'

The word 'harpoon' originated from the Dutch word 'harpoen,' which came from the Old French word 'harpon,' meaning 'grappling hook.' Harpoons have been used for centuries by various cultures around the world for hunting and fishing purposes.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,860, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.