shrewish

[ shroo-ish ]

adjective

1. having the disposition of a shrew.

shrewish

/ ˈʃruːɪʃ /

adjective

1. (esp of a woman) bad-tempered and nagging

Derived Forms

• ˈshrewishly, adverb
• ˈshrewishness, noun

Other Words From

• shrewish·ly adverb
• shrewish·ness noun
• un·shrewish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shrewish¹

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; shrew ¹, -ish ¹

Example Sentences

I think about what it is to be a shrew and what goes into making a woman shrewish.

From Los Angeles Times

Grandpa had a bad fall, and his shrewish second wife wants him carted off to a nursing home posthaste.

From Washington Post

Costa-Jackson goes for a broadly comic and oddly shrewish Musetta, setting aside charm and seductiveness in a role that is set up to walk off with the show in her pocket and often does.

From Seattle Times

What is the difference between a “thin pretext” and a valid request, other than whether the asker is Philip Roth or his shrewish, sinus-clogged wife?

From Washington Post

A woman fights back when her fiance’s shrewish mother tries to destroy their relationship.

From Los Angeles Times