sword

sword

noun, often attributive \ˈsȯrd\

Definition of SWORD

1

: a weapon (as a cutlass or rapier) with a long blade for cutting or thrusting that is often used as a symbol of honor or authority

2

a : an agency or instrument of destruction or combat b : the use of force <the pen is mightier than the sword — E. G. Bulwer-Lytton>

3

: coercive power

4

: something that resembles a sword

— sword·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

— at swords' points

: mutually antagonistic : ready to fight

Examples of SWORD

1. <once upon a time dueling with swords was the gentlemanly way to settle a point of honor>

Illustration of SWORD

Origin of SWORD

Middle English, from Old English sweord; akin to Old High German swert sword

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to SWORD

Synonyms: blade, brand, steel

Related Words: broadsword, cutlass, rapier, saber (or sabre), scimitar, smallsword

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Other Weapons and Explosives Terms

automatic, carbine, cudgel, muzzle, rapier

Rhymes with SWORD

board, chord, cord, cored, floored, ford, gourd, hoard, horde, lord, oared, pored, sward, ward