Scarecrow: meaning, definitions and examples
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scarecrow
[ ˈskɛrˌkroʊ ]
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.
figurative
In a figurative sense, a scarecrow refers to a person or thing that is ineffective or unconvincing in its intended purpose.
Synonyms
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
Word origin
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.