Henchmen: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘ค
Add to dictionary

henchmen

 

[ หˆhษ›nสงmษ™n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น capanga

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคนเคพเคฏเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Handlanger

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pengikut

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะพะผั–ั‡ะฝะธะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ prawa rฤ™ka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ‰‹ไธ‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท homme de main

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ esbirro

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yardฤฑmcฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ถ€ํ•˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุณุงุนุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pacholek

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ poskok

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‰‹ไธ‹

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ pomoฤnik

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ aรฐstoรฐarmaรฐur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบำฉะผะตะบัˆั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒฎแƒ›แƒแƒ แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kรถmษ™kรงi

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.