Dagger

/ˈdæɡər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A short knife with a pointed and edged blade, used for piercing or stabbing.

The assassin drew his dagger and prepared to strike from the shadows.

A symbol used in printing or writing to indicate a footnote or reference.

The author included a dagger next to the first mention of the term for clarification.

A type of surgical instrument, often used in procedures requiring precision.

The surgeon used a dagger-like tool to make a precise incision.

Middle English 'daggere', of unknown origin

dagger to the heart

A metaphor for a deep emotional pain or betrayal.

double-edged dagger

A situation that has both positive and negative consequences.

stiletto

A type of dagger characterized by a long, slim blade.

dirk

A type of dagger that is usually associated with Scottish Highlanders.

To stab someone in the back, metaphorically betraying them.

He really daggers you if he shares your secrets with others.