Meaning & Definition of word "Banshee"
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Banshee
/ˈbæn.ʃi/
noun:
- 1. In Irish folklore, a banshee is a female spirit whose wailing warns of a death in a family.
- Example: As they walked through the misty woods, they thought they heard the eerie cry of a banshee, signaling doom.
- 2. A woman who is regarded as an omen of death or disaster.
- Example: The locals believed that the old woman at the edge of the village was a banshee, her presence often accompanied by misfortune.
- 3. A legendary creature in Scottish folklore analogous to the banshee of Irish mythology.
- Example: During the storm, the villagers claimed to have seen a banshee, her figure illuminated by flashes of lightning.
Etymology
From Irish 'bean sí', meaning 'woman of the fairy mound'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
cry like a banshee:
To scream or wail loudly and uncontrollably.
Related Words
wench:
A young woman or girl.
spirit:
A non-physical being.
haunt:
To visit or appear in a place regularly.
Slang Meanings of banshee
Meaning: A loud or annoying woman.
Example Sentence: She was yelling so much, she sounded like a banshee.
Meaning: A person who is highly expressive or dramatic.
Example Sentence: Every time there's a tense situation, he turns into a total banshee.