beshrew
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (transitive, archaic) To wish harm or evil upon; to invoke a curse upon someone or something.
Usage
This verb is used to express a strong wish for misfortune or harm to befall someone. It is an archaic term, rarely used in modern English except for stylistic or humorous effect, often to convey mild annoyance rather than genuine malevolence.
Examples
- "Beshrew me if I ever trust a scoundrel like him again!" (A mild, archaic exclamation of annoyance.)
- "I beshrew the day I agreed to this foolish venture." (To curse or regret a past event.)
- In the play, the character cried, "Beshrew your heart for your falsehood!" (A theatrical curse upon another person.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is often found in Early Modern English literature, such as the works of Shakespeare.
- It can be used reflexively in exclamations (e.g., "Beshrew me!"), which functions similarly to "Confound me!" or "A plague upon me!"
Variants and Related Words
- Beshrewed (past tense/participle): The act of having cursed or wished harm.
- He beshrewed his own ignorance.
- Beshrewing (present participle/gerund): The act of cursing.
- Her constant beshrewing of fate grew tiresome.
Synonyms
- Curse: To invoke evil or injury upon.
- Execrate: To feel or express great loathing for; to curse.
- Anathematize: To curse, denounce, or condemn solemnly.
- Maledict (archaic/formal): To utter a curse against.
Antonyms
- Bless: To invoke divine care or favor upon.
- Praise: To express warm approval or admiration.
- Laud: To praise highly, especially in a public context.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "Beshrew my/his/her/your heart": A common archaic imprecation wishing mild ill upon the person, often used for dramatic or affectionate exasperation in historical dialogue.
- "Beshrew your heart for frightening me so!"
Verb
- wish harm upon; invoke evil upon
- The bad witch cursed the child