noun

basilisk

BAZ-ih-lisk

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Basilisk (noun) means a mythical snake-like dragon so venomous that even its gaze is deadly. Example: “In the legend, the basilisk could kill with a single look.”

noun

mythology A mythical snake-like dragon so venomous that even its gaze is deadly.

"In the legend, the basilisk could kill with a single look."

"Travellers feared the basilisk that was said to lurk in the desert."

"The story describes a basilisk hiding in the cellar."

A tree-dwelling lizard of the genus Basiliscus.

"The basilisk dropped from the branch into the stream."

"A basilisk was sitting on a branch above the water."

"Visitors to the reptile house can see a basilisk."

How to use basilisk

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA legendary serpent that kills with its stare, or a lizard that shares its name.

When to use it

It is mostly found in mythology, fantasy writing and natural history.

Memory tip

Say BAZ-ih-lisk, with the stress on the first syllable.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

basilisk stare basilisk lizard deadly gaze of the basilisk legendary basilisk

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Can you complete this real example?

In the legend, the _____ could kill with a single look.

Etymology

The word came through Middle English and Old French from Latin, and before that from a Greek word literally meaning minor king. The name may have been inspired by cobras with crown-like patterns on their heads.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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basilisk lizard

Frequently asked questions

What is a basilisk?

In mythology a basilisk is a snake-like dragon whose gaze is deadly. The name is also used for a tree-dwelling lizard of the genus Basiliscus.

Where does the word basilisk come from?

It comes through Old French and Latin from Ancient Greek basiliskos, literally a minor king. Middle English took it from Old French.

What is a basilisk lizard?

It is a tree-dwelling lizard of the genus Basiliscus.

What is the meaning of basilisk?

"basilisk" (noun) means a mythical snake-like dragon so venomous that even its gaze is deadly.