Weasel: meaning, definitions and examples

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weasel

[ ˈwiːzəl ]

^{Context #1}

small animal

A weasel is a small carnivorous mammal with a long slender body and short legs, able to enter narrow holes in search of prey.

Synonyms

ferret, marten, stoat

Examples of usage

The weasel caught a mouse in the garden.
The weasel is known for its agility and speed in hunting.

^{Context #2}

deceptive person

Informally, a weasel can refer to a deceitful or treacherous person who cannot be trusted.

Synonyms

backstabber, deceiver, traitor

Examples of usage

He is such a weasel, always lying and manipulating others.
Beware of the weasel in the group; he will stab you in the back when you least expect it.

^{Context #3}

to evade or dodge

To weasel means to evade or dodge a situation or responsibility in a cunning or deceitful manner.

Synonyms

avoid, dodge, evade

Examples of usage

He tried to weasel out of paying for his share of the bill.
She always manages to weasel her way out of trouble.

Translations

Translations of the word "weasel" in other languages:

🇵🇹 doninha

🇮🇳 नेवला

🇩🇪 Wiesel

🇮🇩 musang

🇺🇦 ласка

🇵🇱 łasica

🇯🇵 イタチ

🇫🇷 belette

🇪🇸 comadreja

🇹🇷 gelincik

🇰🇷 족제비

🇸🇦 ابن عرس

🇨🇿 lasice

🇸🇰 lasica

🇨🇳 鼬鼠 (yòushǔ)

🇸🇮 podlasica

🇮🇸 hreysiköttur

🇰🇿 аққұйрық

🇬🇪 ცხენგველა

🇦🇿 dələ

🇲🇽 comadreja

Word origin

The word 'weasel' has Old English origins, coming from the word 'weosule.' Weasels have been depicted in various cultures and mythologies, often symbolizing cunning and stealth. In some folklore, weasels are seen as both clever hunters and mischievous tricksters. The association of weasels with deceit and treachery likely led to the figurative use of the term to describe untrustworthy individuals.