shark

¹

[ shahrk ]

noun

1. any of a group of elongate elasmobranch, mostly marine fishes, certain species of which are large, voracious, and sometimes dangerous to humans.

shark

²

[ shahrk ]

noun

1. a person who preys greedily on others, as by cheating or usury.
2. Informal. a person who has unusual ability in a particular field.

verb (used with object)

1. Archaic. to obtain by trickery or fraud; steal.

verb (used without object)

1. Archaic. to live by shifts and stratagems.

shark

¹

/ ʃɑːk /

noun

1. a person who preys on or victimizes others, esp by swindling or extortion

verb

1. archaic.
   to obtain (something) by cheating or deception

shark

²

/ ʃɑːk /

noun

1. any of various usually ferocious selachian fishes, typically marine with a long body, two dorsal fins, rows of sharp teeth, and between five and seven gill slits on each side of the head

Derived Forms

• ˈsharkˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• sharklike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shark¹

First recorded in 1560–70; origin uncertain

Origin of shark²

1590–1600; < German dialect Schork, variant of Schurke rascal

Word History and Origins

Origin of shark¹

C18: probably from German Schurke rogue; perhaps also influenced by shark ¹

Origin of shark²

C16: of uncertain origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. jump the shark, Informal. to begin a decline in quality, popularity, relevance, etc., after reaching a peak:

   Some TV shows have jumped the shark once a popular cast member left the show.

Example Sentences

He becomes the toast of the Colosseum, leading the other gladiators to victory against rhinos, sharks and all manner of human and animal beast.

From Los Angeles Times

Only, this being a Ridley Scott movie, he adds an extra element — sharks.

From Los Angeles Times

Others have tried bracelets that emit smells that sharks, theoretically, would find repulsive.

From Los Angeles Times

Lights could prove a non-invasive means of shark restraint, unlike nets or drones, they added.

From BBC

There are "heavily armed gladiators riding a charging rhinoceros" and "wounded men tumbling from boats into the jaws of ravenous sharks" during the nautical battle staged in the flooded pit of the Colosseum.

From BBC

Related Words

• charlatan
• con artist
• crook
• hypocrite
• impostor
• rascal
• rogue
• swindler
• trickster