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Scarecrow: meaning, definitions and examples

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scarecrow

 

[ ˈskɛrˌkroʊ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in agriculture

A scarecrow is a human figure made of straw or other materials, used in fields to scare birds away and prevent them from eating crops. Scarecrows are typically dressed in old clothes and placed in the middle of a field.

Synonyms

bird-scarer, hay-man.

Examples of usage

  • The farmer put up a scarecrow in his cornfield to protect the crops from birds.
  • The scarecrow stood tall and motionless, watching over the farm.
Context #2 | Noun

figurative

In a figurative sense, a scarecrow refers to a person or thing that is ineffective or unconvincing in its intended purpose.

Synonyms

ineffective, unconvincing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scarecrow

Typically used to describe a figure made to resemble a human to scare away birds from crops. It can also metaphorically describe someone or something that is intended to look intimidating but is actually harmless or ineffective.

  • The scarecrow stood in the field, its straw arms flapping in the wind.
  • He’s just a scarecrow of a leader; all appearance but no substance.
ineffective

Used to describe someone or something that does not produce the intended result or fails to achieve its purpose.

  • The medicine proved to be ineffective against the virus.
  • His attempts to fix the broken computer were ineffective and frustrating.
unconvincing

Used to describe someone or something that fails to persuade or is not believable. Often carries a negative connotation.

  • Her explanation for being late was unconvincing.
  • The actor's performance in the movie was unconvincing, making it hard to enjoy the story.

Examples of usage

  • The politician's promises were like a scarecrow, failing to convince the voters.
  • The scarecrow of a security system did little to deter burglars.

Translations

Translations of the word "scarecrow" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espantalho

🇮🇳 कठपुतला

🇩🇪 Vogelscheuche

🇮🇩 orang-orangan sawah

🇺🇦 опудало

🇵🇱 strach na wróble

🇯🇵 案山子 (かかし)

🇫🇷 épouvantail

🇪🇸 espantapájaros

🇹🇷 korkuluk

🇰🇷 허수아비

🇸🇦 فزّاعة

🇨🇿 strašák

🇸🇰 strašiak

🇨🇳 稻草人 (dàocǎorén)

🇸🇮 strašilo

🇮🇸 hræðslukerling

🇰🇿 қорқыт

🇬🇪 საგულე

🇦🇿 qarğa

🇲🇽 espantapájaros

Etymology

The term 'scarecrow' dates back to the early 16th century, combining 'scare' and 'crow'. The concept of scarecrows to protect crops has been used for centuries, with early versions seen in ancient Egypt and Greece. In medieval Britain, scarecrows were known as 'haywarden' or 'bird-scarers'. Over time, scarecrows have become a symbol of agriculture and countryside.

See also: scare, scared, scarily, scary.