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Myrmidon: meaning, definitions and examples

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myrmidon

 

[ ˈmɜːrmɪˌdɒn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

Greek hero

A Myrmidon was a member of the legendary Greek warrior group that followed Achilles during the Trojan War. They were known for their unwavering loyalty and exceptional fighting skills. The term has come to describe someone who executes orders without question, often in a servile or unquestioning manner. Myrmidons are depicted as fierce fighters and are associated with the themes of loyalty and obedience in literature and history.

Synonyms

follower, henchman, minion

Examples of usage

  • The general's myrmidons executed his orders without hesitation.
  • In the movie, the villain's myrmidons were known for their ruthless efficiency.
  • The king relied heavily on his myrmidons to enforce his will.

Translations

Translations of the word "myrmidon" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mirmidão

🇮🇳 मर्मिडन

🇩🇪 Myrmidone

🇮🇩 Myrmidon

🇺🇦 мірмідон

🇵🇱 mirmidon

🇯🇵 ミルミドン

🇫🇷 mirmidon

🇪🇸 mirmidón

🇹🇷 mirmidon

🇰🇷 미르미돈

🇸🇦 ميرميدون

🇨🇿 mýrmidon

🇸🇰 mýrmidon

🇨🇳 米尔米敦

🇸🇮 mirmidon

🇮🇸 mýrmidón

🇰🇿 мирмідон

🇬🇪 მირმიდონი

🇦🇿 mirmidon

🇲🇽 mirmidón

Etymology

The word 'myrmidon' originates from the ancient Greek 'Murmidones', which referred specifically to the warriors from Thessaly who were led by Achilles in the Iliad. The Myrmidons were said to be renowned for their discipline and valor, having been transformed from ants into men by Zeus to populate the region of Aegina. The name itself is believed to be derived from the Greek word 'myrmex', meaning ant, symbolizing their strength in numbers and diligence. Over time, the term 'myrmidon' has evolved in the English language to describe any subordinate who is blindly loyal to a leader, often executing tasks without questioning the moral implications. The rich history of the Myrmidons in classical literature has cemented their place in cultural references, often serving as a metaphor for uncritical loyalty.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,283, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.