dagger

[dag-er]

noun

1. a short, swordlike weapon with a pointed blade and a handle, used for stabbing.

2. Also called obelisk. Printing.,  a mark (†) used especially for references.

verb (used with object)

1. to stab with or as if with a dagger.

2. Printing.,  to mark with a dagger.

dagger

/ ˈdæɡə /

noun

1. a short stabbing weapon with a pointed blade

2. Also called: obelisk. a character (†) used in printing to indicate a cross reference, esp to a footnote

3. in a state of open hostility

4. to glare with hostility; scowl

verb

1. to mark with a dagger

2. archaic,  to stab with a dagger

Word History and Origins

Origin of dagger¹

1350–1400; Middle English, probably alteration of Old French dague, of obscure origin; dag ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of dagger¹

C14: of uncertain origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. look daggers at, to look at angrily, threateningly, or with hate.

More idioms and phrases containing dagger

• look daggers

Example Sentences

“We are driving a dagger straight into the heart of the climate change religion,” Zeldin said.

From Los Angeles Times

EPA administrator Lee Zeldin in March proclaimed the administration was “driving a dagger straight into the heart of the climate change religion.”

From Los Angeles Times

"He was subsequently stopped and a small sickle, a large dagger which was in a sheath on a belt, and a peeling knife, were seized," the force said.

From BBC

Speaking in an episode of the conservative "Ruthless" podcast released on Tuesday, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin said the move was "basically driving a dagger into the heart of the climate change religion".

From BBC

"You remind me of myself at your age and there are things you should learn. You are our dagger in Europe and we will be sharpening you carefully so that you will become sharper."

From BBC

Related Words

• bayonet 
• blade 
• sword