Bedwarf

/bɪˈdwɔːrf/ verb

Definition

to make someone or something appear small by comparison; to dwarf or belittle.

Etymology

From be- (causative prefix) + dwarf (from Old Norse dweorgh or Old English dweorh, related to Sanskrit dhvara). The verb means to make something seem dwarfed or insignificant.

Kelly Says

This is exactly what happens when you stand next to a giant skyscraper—you become 'bedwarfed' by it, which is why Shakespeare loved this kind of be- verb to create vivid visual comparisons.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.