Henchmen: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ค
henchmen
[ หhษnสงmษn ]
crime, loyalty
A henchman is typically an assistant or subordinate of a villain or criminal leader who carries out orders and assists in illegal activities. They are often portrayed as loyal and somewhat expendable, serving as enforcers, bodyguards, or operatives. Henchmen may work alongside their boss, participating in various schemes and operations to achieve the goals of their leader. In popular media, they are usually depicted as less intelligent than their bosses, often serving a more practical role. Their depiction can sometimes be comedic, emphasizing their ineptitude or loyalty.
Synonyms
associate, goon, lackey, minion, underling.
Examples of usage
- The villain's henchmen followed him everywhere.
- In the movie, the henchmen were always ready to fight.
- She hired henchmen to help with her scheme.
- The henchmen waited for instructions from their leader.
Translations
Translations of the word "henchmen" in other languages:
๐ต๐น capanga
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเคนเคพเคฏเค
๐ฉ๐ช Handlanger
๐ฎ๐ฉ pengikut
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟะพะผััะฝะธะบ
๐ต๐ฑ prawa rฤka
๐ฏ๐ต ๆไธ
๐ซ๐ท homme de main
๐ช๐ธ esbirro
๐น๐ท yardฤฑmcฤฑ
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ถํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุณุงุนุฏ
๐จ๐ฟ pacholek
๐ธ๐ฐ poskok
๐จ๐ณ ๆไธ
๐ธ๐ฎ pomoฤnik
๐ฎ๐ธ aรฐstoรฐarmaรฐur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบำฉะผะตะบัั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแฎแแแ แแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ kรถmษkรงi
๐ฒ๐ฝ esbirro
Etymology
The word 'henchman' originates from the Old English term 'hengest,' meaning a horse or stallion, and the word 'man.' It originally referred to a servant or a man who attends to the needs of another, particularly in the context of a noble or a lord. Over time, the meaning evolved to imply a more specific role within criminal or shady enterprises, often linked to loyalty and servitude to a malevolent leader. The modern usage of 'henchman' is deeply embedded in popular culture, especially in films and literature portraying crime syndicates or supervillains, where they act as loyal followers supporting the main antagonist's plans. As such, its association with villainy has intensified in recent decades, making it a staple term in discussions of crime narratives.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #26,386, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 26383 inflectional
- 26384 dully
- 26385 verbiage
- 26386 henchmen
- 26387 hookworm
- 26388 recommenced
- 26389 lacuna
- ...