Basilisk

Pronunciation: /ˈbæsəlɪsk/

Definitions of basilisk

noun a mythical serpent king that is said to have the power to cause death with a single glance

Example Sentences

A1 The basilisk is a mythical creature from European legends.

A2 In Harry Potter, a basilisk is a giant serpent that can kill with its gaze.

B1 The basilisk's deadly stare turned everything it looked at to stone.

B2 Legends say that only a true hero can defeat a basilisk.

C1 The basilisk's presence struck fear into the hearts of all who encountered it.

C2 The intricate details of the basilisk's scales shimmered in the dim light of the dungeon.

Examples of basilisk in a Sentence

formal The basilisk is a mythical creature often depicted as a serpent or dragon with the ability to petrify its victims.

informal I heard a rumor that there's a basilisk living in the abandoned house down the street.

slang Watch out for that dude, he's a total basilisk when it comes to competition.

figurative The scandal had spread like a basilisk, causing fear and chaos among the community.

Grammatical Forms of basilisk

• past tense: basilisked
• plural: basilisks
• comparative: more basilisk
• superlative: most basilisk
• present tense: basilisks
• future tense: will basilisk
• perfect tense: have basilisked
• continuous tense: is basilisking
• singular: basilisk
• positive degree: basilisk
• infinitive: to basilisk
• gerund: basilisking
• participle: basilisked

Origin and Evolution of basilisk

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin and Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'basilisk' comes from the Latin word 'basiliscus', which is derived from the Greek word 'basiliskos' meaning 'little king' or 'kinglet'. In mythology, the basilisk was often depicted as a serpent or dragon with the power to cause death with a single glance.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'basilisk' evolved from a mythical creature to also refer to a type of venomous snake or lizard. In modern usage, 'basilisk' is often used to describe something that is extremely dangerous or threatening.