Langimage
English

troll

|troll|

B2

🇺🇸

/troʊl/

🇬🇧

/trəʊl/

mythical creature; provoke online

Etymology
Etymology Information

'troll' originates from Old Norse, specifically the word 'troll,' where it referred to a giant or demon.

Historical Evolution

'troll' changed from the Old Norse word 'troll' and eventually became the modern English word 'troll'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'giant or demon,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings, including the internet-related usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a mythical, cave-dwelling being depicted as either a giant or a dwarf, typically having a very ugly appearance.

The children were scared of the troll under the bridge.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to fish by trailing a baited line along behind a boat.

They decided to troll for fish in the lake.

Synonyms

Verb 2

to make a deliberately offensive or provocative online post with the aim of upsetting someone or eliciting an angry response.

He was banned from the forum for trolling.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42