ENGLISH
REFERENCE

monster

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈmɑnstɝ// UK //mˈɒnstɐ// mon·ster Archaic General-service Humorous Informal Vulgar

n. a scary, imaginary creature that is usually large and ugly. You can also use this word to describe a very cruel or evil person.

n. an imaginary creature that is typically large, ugly, and frightening. In a figurative sense, it refers to a person who is exceptionally cruel or wicked.


SIMPLE

The child was afraid of the monster under the bed.

CONTEXTUAL

The film features a giant sea monster that attacks ships in the middle of the ocean.

COMPLEX

While the novel begins as a simple horror story, it eventually explores the idea that the true monster is not the creature, but the scientist who created it.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English monstre, from Old French monstre, mostre, moustre, from Latin mōnstrum.

Usage

Commonly used as a modifier in compound nouns like 'monster truck' or 'monster movie' to indicate large size or specific genre.

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