out-Herod

[ out-her-uhd ]

verb (used with object)

1. to outdo in extravagance, violence, or excess:

   His cruelty out-Herods Herod.

out-Herod

verb

1. tr to surpass in evil, excesses, or cruelty

Word History and Origins

Origin of out-Herod¹

1595–1605; out- + Herod (Antipas)

Word History and Origins

Origin of out-Herod¹

C17: originally out-Herod Herod, from Shakespeare's Hamlet (act 3, scene 2); see also Herod : portrayed in medieval mystery plays as a ranting tyrant

Example Sentences

But there’s also a dynamic in which each candidate is compelled to out-Herod Herod.

From Salon

The most marked trait, however, of these minor tragedies is their eagerness to out-Herod Herod and to make good their weakness in dramatic truth by means of stage horrors or rant.

From Project Gutenberg

You out-Herod Calvin in his blackest moods.'

From Project Gutenberg

Simon could "out-Herod Herod" in doing all this.

From Project Gutenberg

I always say the Regency-men inaugurated it, and their sons and grandsons out-Herod Herod.

From Project Gutenberg