harridan

[ hahr-i-dn ]

noun

1. a scolding, vicious woman; hag; shrew.

   Synonyms: scold, virago, nag

harridan

/ ˈhærɪdən /

noun

1. a scolding old woman; nag

Word History and Origins

Origin of harridan¹

1690–1700; perhaps alteration of French haridelle thin, worn-out horse, large, gaunt woman (compared with the initial element of haras stud farm, though derivation is unclear)

Word History and Origins

Origin of harridan¹

C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to French haridelle, literally: broken-down horse; of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Escola said their decision to treat Mrs. Lincoln as a batty harridan comes from a place of self-awareness: They know that they, too, are often considered “obnoxious, grating, a nuisance.”

From New York Times

The hard edges that painted Sylvie as a harridan boss and villain of the series have steadily softened, though never dulled completely.

From Los Angeles Times

More crucially, the play deals with Tanner’s fraught relationship with the queen of this company, Diana Gibson, here renamed Monica and played by Jenny O'Hara with fierce harridan humor.

From Los Angeles Times

Throughout her tenure as House speaker, Pelosi has been painted by Trump supporters as an unhinged harridan: crazy, conniving and hungry for power.

From Washington Post

Ms. McDormand told me that she was not interested in modern interpretations of Macbeth as an emblem of toxic masculinity, or in correcting the stereotype of Lady Macbeth as a harridan.

From New York Times