OpenSynonym

hag

/hæɡ/

NOUN

1. Witch or female practitioner of magic

A woman believed to possess supernatural powers or practice magic, especially one portrayed as evil, frightening, or associated with harmful spells.

1.1. Witches and supernatural magic

Used to describe a female witch, sorceress, or enchantress who practices magic, casts spells, or possesses supernatural powers.

Synonyms

Examples

  • In the folk tale, a wicked hag cast a spell on the unsuspecting villagers.
  • The old forest was said to be haunted by a mysterious hag.
  • Legends spoke of a cursed well guarded by an ancient water hag.

Related Words

NOUN

2. Ugly or unpleasant old woman

An insulting or derogatory term for an old woman considered unattractive, unpleasant, ill-tempered, or disagreeable.

2.1. Age and physical appearance

Used disparagingly to describe an elderly woman perceived as physically unattractive, often emphasizing an unpleasant or frightening appearance.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The villagers described the mysterious old woman as a frightening hag.
  • In the fairy tale, a wicked hag lived alone in a crumbling cottage.

Related Words

  • elderly woman
  • old woman
  • matron
  • grandmother
  • spinster

2.2. Bad-tempered and unpleasant women

Used as a derogatory insult for a woman regarded as quarrelsome, aggressive, spiteful, or difficult to deal with.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The villagers avoided the hag because of her constant insults and angry outbursts.
  • She was unfairly labeled a hag simply because she spoke her mind.

Related Words

NOUN

3. Female monster or terrifying supernatural being

A frightening female supernatural creature or monstrous figure, often associated with evil, violence, or destructive supernatural forces.

3.1. Mythological monsters and terrifying creatures

Used to describe a monstrous or malevolent female supernatural being, particularly one resembling a terrifying mythical creature.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The weary traveler claimed to have encountered a malevolent hag in the desolate moor.
  • The children dared each other to enter the spooky cave rumored to be the dwelling place of a vengeful hag.

Related Words

NOUN

4. A type of seabird

A hagdon, another name for a shearwater, referring to a seabird belonging to the genus Puffinus.

4.1. Seabirds and marine wildlife

An uncommon or archaic use referring to a shearwater, a seabird known for its long-distance flights over the ocean.

Synonyms

  • shearwater
  • hagdon

Examples

  • The sailors spotted a hag gliding above the waves during their voyage.

Related Words

  • seabird
  • petrel
  • albatross
  • ocean
  • marine bird