gird

an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings in her farewell speech, the departing governor got in some retaliatory girds at the media Synonyms affront, barb, brickbat, cut, dart, dig, dis (also diss) [slang], epithet, insult, indignity, name, offense (or offence), outrage, personality, poke, put-down, sarcasm, slap, slight, slurRelated Words catcall, gibe (or jibe), jeer, mock, quip, sneer, taunt; abuse, invective, vituperation; disapproval, opprobrium; disgrace, dishonor, shame; attack, criticism, knock, slam, swipe; torment, tortureNear Antonyms accolade, commendation, compliment; acclaim, applause, praise; adulation, flattery

1 to encircle or bind with or as if with a belt for the celebration of the heroes' return, well-wishers girded hundreds of trees with yellow ribbons she girded her waist with a delicate sash Synonyms band, begird, belt, engird [archaic], engirdle, enwind, girdle, girt, girth, wrap Related Words tie up, truss; circle, enwreathe, loop, wind, wreathe; bandage, enswathe, swathe; chain, cord, enchain, lash, rope, shackle, tape, wire Near Antonyms unbind, unlash, unshackle, untie, unwind Antonyms ungird, unwrap

2 to provide (someone) with what is needed for a task or activity the Spartan warrior girded himself for battle with sword and shield Synonyms accoutre (or accouter), equip, fit (out), furnish, kit (up or out) [chiefly British], outfit, provision, rig, supplyRelated Words stock, store; bestow, contribute, donate, give, present; apportion, deal (out), dispense, distribute, dole out, hand out, mete (out), parcel (out), portion, prorate; allocate, allot, assign; arm, fortify, prepare; reequip, refit, refurnish, reoutfitNear Antonyms deprive, dispossess, divest, strip

3 to form a circle around a tall hedge girds the exclusive estate and shields it from prying eyes Synonyms circle, compass, embrace, encircle, enclose (also inclose), encompass, environ, surround, girdle, ring, wreatheRelated Words circumscribe, close in, cordon (off), fence (in), hem (in), wall; beset, besiege, entrench (also intrench), invest, swarm