SINCE 1828
sword of Dam·o·cles
| \ -ˈda-mə-ˌklēz
\
\
Definition of sword of Damocles
: an impending disaster
Keep scrolling for more
Learn More about sword of Damocles
From the Editors at Merriam-Webster
Words That Come From the Dinner Table
Words That Come From the Dinner Table
Fill your plate with these surprising food words
Dictionary Entries near sword of Damocles
Statistics for sword of Damocles
Look-up Popularity
Time Traveler for sword of Damocles
The first known use of sword of Damocles was in 1820
Comments on sword of Damocles
What made you want to look up sword of Damocles? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Finance Words Quiz
-
- The etymology of mortgage is related most closely to which two words?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share sword of Damocles
Resources for sword of Damocles