Starscream
Starscream is a character from the Transformers franchise—a treacherous Decepticon jet who constantly schemes to overthrow Megatron.
His name has become shorthand for any ambitious subordinate who undermines their leader while lacking the competence to succeed: Every organization has its Starscream, plotting in the corner.
The name captures both aspiration (reaching for stars) and ineffectual menace (all scream, no follow-through).
- leadershipAbility to direct others
- coupAbrupt seizure of power
- usurperIllegal power seizer
- throneCeremonial chair for sovereigns
command · scheming · power-hungry · opportunist · second-in-command · overthrow · plotting · manipulation
Franchise about morphing robots
- CybertronFictional robot homeworld
- HasbroAmerican toy conglomerate
- cartoonAnimated or humorous illustration
- toyObject for amusement
Megatron · Optimus Prime · comics · movie · voice actor
Without bravery or nerve
- treacherousDisloyal and dangerous
- schemingCrafty and calculating
- arrogantExcessively high self-regard
- whinyInclined to complain
sycophant · sniveling · vain · narcissistic · petulant · jealous · resentful · duplicitous
U.S. fighter aircraft
- jetForced fluid stream
- aerialElevated, or signal-catcher
- trineFavorable 120-degree aspect
- wingmanSupportive second in formation
Coneheads · squadron · flight · transformation · aircraft · combatant · armament · aerobatic
Apparition of the dead
- sparkTiny fiery particle
- immortalCannot die
- possessionState of owning
- undeadDeceased yet animate
specter · resurrection · haunting · clone · return · indestructible · afterlife · survival
Megatron
- leadershipAbility to direct others
- coupAbrupt seizure of power
- usurperIllegal power seizer
throne · command · scheming · power-hungry · opportunist · second-in-command · overthrow · plotting · manipulation · cunning
Transformers
Franchise about morphing robots
- CybertronFictional robot homeworld
- HasbroAmerican toy conglomerate
- cartoonAnimated or humorous illustration
Megatron · Optimus Prime · toy · comics · movie · voice actor
cowardly
Without bravery or nerve
- treacherousDisloyal and dangerous
- schemingCrafty and calculating
- arrogantExcessively high self-regard
whiny · sycophant · sniveling · vain · narcissistic · petulant · jealous · resentful · duplicitous · conniving
F-15
U.S. fighter aircraft
wingman · Coneheads · squadron · flight · transformation · aircraft · combatant · armament · aerobatic · supersonic
ghost
Apparition of the dead
- sparkTiny fiery particle
- immortalCannot die
- possessionState of owning
undead · specter · resurrection · haunting · clone · return · indestructible · afterlife · survival · persistence
StarscreamSamwise Gamgee
Chewbacca · faithful servant · Smithers · Spock · noble warrior
star, scream, stars, screaming, starlight, starred, starry, screamed, screams