Langimage
English

badger

|badg/er|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈbædʒər/

🇬🇧

/ˈbædʒə/

persistent pestering

Etymology
Etymology Information

'badger' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'bageard,' where 'bage' meant 'badge' and '-ard' was a suffix used for animals.

Historical Evolution

'bageard' transformed into the modern English word 'badger' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it referred to the animal known for its distinctive markings, but over time it also evolved to mean 'to pester or annoy persistently.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a burrowing, carnivorous mammal of the family Mustelidae, known for its thick fur and short legs.

The badger dug a burrow in the forest.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to repeatedly ask someone to do something; to pester or annoy persistently.

She badgered him until he agreed to help.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45