noun
berserker
BUR-sur-kuh
Berserker (noun) means a legendary Norse warrior said to fight in an uncontrollable, trance-like fury. Example: “Sagas describe berserkers charging into battle without armor, seemingly immune to pain.”
noun
1
A legendary Norse warrior said to fight in an uncontrollable, trance-like fury.
"Sagas describe berserkers charging into battle without armor, seemingly immune to pain."
2
Anyone who fights or acts with wild, frenzied intensity, by extension.
"He played the final round like an absolute berserker, taking risks nobody else would."
How to use berserker
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA frenzied warrior from Norse legend, or loosely, anyone fighting with wild abandon.
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Word forms
- Plural
- berserkers
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Sagas describe _____ charging into battle without armor, seemingly immune to pain.
Etymology
From Old Norse berserkr, likely combining "bear" and "shirt/coat" — a reference to the bear pelts these warriors reportedly wore into combat.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “berserker” mean?
The word “berserker” means a legendary Norse warrior said to fight in an uncontrollable, trance-like fury. In plain terms, a frenzied warrior from Norse legend, or loosely, anyone fighting with wild abandon.
How do you pronounce “berserker”?
“Berserker” is pronounced BUR-sur-kuh (/ˈbɚˌsɚkɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “berserker” in a sentence?
Here is “berserker” used in a sentence: “Sagas describe berserkers charging into battle without armor, seemingly immune to pain.”
What part of speech is “berserker”?
“Berserker” is a noun.
Where does the word “berserker” come from?
The word “berserker” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse berserkr, likely combining "bear" and "shirt/coat" — a reference to the bear pelts these warriors reportedly wore into combat.
How many meanings does “berserker” have?
“Berserker” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a legendary Norse warrior said to fight in an uncontrollable, trance-like fury.
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