gorgon
Serpent-haired petrifier
A gorgon is a repulsive or terrifying woman, especially one with a fierce, petrifying stare.
The word draws on the Greek mythological creatures whose gaze turned onlookers to stone: His mother-in-law was an absolute gorgon.
The term is always unflattering, suggesting someone monstrous in appearance or temperament. (Capitalized Gorgon refers to the mythological creature.)
harridan
Ill-tempered older woman
- shrewIll-tempered woman, or insectivore
- termagantHarsh, quarrelsome woman
- viragoIll-tempered, domineering woman
battleaxe · dragon · harpy · hag · crone · witch · fierce · formidable · intimidating · fearsome
- mythical creaturesdragon, dragons, vampire, vampires, werewolf
- hybrid creatureschimera, griffin, centaur, hippogriff, minotaur
- Imaginary Beingscentaur, cyclops, dragon, dwarf, elf
- monstersdemon, monster, vampire, werewolf, ogre
- mythic beingscentaur, mermaid, merman, minotaur, satyr
- symbolic monsterdragon, vampire, werewolf, hydra, chimera
physical attractiveness
gorgonbeauty
Aesthetic excellence
goddess · Venus · Aphrodite · Helen of Troy · babe
effect on beholders
gorgoncharmer
One who captivates others
enchantress · muse · Aphrodite · angel · seductress