sword

[sawrd, sohrd]

noun

1. a weapon having various forms but consisting typically of a long, straight or slightly curved blade, sharp-edged on one or both sides, with one end pointed and the other fixed in a hilt or handle.

2. this weapon as the symbol of military power, punitive justice, authority, etc..

   The pen is mightier than the sword.

3. a cause of death or destruction.

4. war, combat, slaughter, or violence, especially military force or aggression.

   to perish by the sword.

5. Military.,  Sword. the code name for one of the five D-Day invasion beaches on France's Normandy coast, assaulted by British forces.

sword

/ sɔːd /

noun

1. a thrusting, striking, or cutting weapon with a long blade having one or two cutting edges, a hilt, and usually a crosspiece or guard

2. such a weapon worn on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of authority

3. something resembling a sword, such as the snout of a swordfish

4. to argue or fight

5. 1. violence or power, esp military power

   2. death; destruction

      to put to the sword

Other Word Forms

• swordlike adjective
• swordless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sword¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English sweord; cognate with Dutch zwaard, German Schwert, Old Norse sverth

Word History and Origins

Origin of sword¹

Old English sweord; related to Old Saxon swerd, Old Norse sverth, Old High German swert

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. at swords' points, mutually antagonistic or hostile; opposed.

   Father and son are constantly at swords' point.

2. put to the sword, to slay; execute.

   The entire population of the town was put to the sword.

3. cross swords,

   1. to engage in combat; fight.

   2. to disagree violently; argue.

      The board members crossed swords in the selection of a president.

More idioms and phrases containing sword

• at sword's point
• cross swords

Example Sentences

On Wednesday, Joshua Michael Richardson, 38, was charged with felony criminal threats and possession of six high-capacity gun magazines, brass knuckles and a sword, according to the Orange County district attorney’s office.

From Los Angeles Times

It was dubbed Operation Excalibur, in honor of the legendary sword of King Arthur that granted him divine right to rule, a point also included in court documents.

From Los Angeles Times

At the time, officers seized six air weapons, a samurai sword, three crossbows and bolts, six knives and a stun gun.

From BBC

Tuesday’s show ended with Jepsen’s traditional closer, “Cut to the Feeling,” yet another “Emotion” outtake that’s taken on a second life as the subject of a durable internet joke about swords.

From Los Angeles Times

"It was a horrible sight, Japanese with swords sticking out of their bodies, instead of falling into enemy hands."

From BBC

Related Words

• blade 
• dagger 
• weapon