French translation of harridan is 
mégère

Meaning of "harridan" in English

The term "harridan" in English describes a woman who is perceived as strict, bossy, or unpleasant. Often used in a derogatory sense, it conjures the image of an older woman who is harsh in her demeanor or treatment of others, particularly towards those in a subordinate position. Historically, this word has been used to evoke fear or respect through intimidation, often reflecting societal stereotypes about aging and femininity.

Meaning of "mégère" in French

The word "mégère" in French directly translates to "harridan" in English and carries a similar connotation. It describes a woman who is considered bad-tempered or shrewish. Characteristically, a "mégère" is seen as overbearing or constantly in conflict with others, often embodying qualities that are traditionally frowned upon in female behavior. This term reflects societal biases about assertive or disagreeable women.

Pronunciation of "harridan" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈhærɪdən/

Pronunciation Variations: The word "harridan" is fairly consistent in pronunciation across English-speaking regions. However, slight variations might occur due to local accents, such as a more pronounced "d" sound in some British dialects or a softer "r" in American English.

Pronunciation of "mégère" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /me.ʒɛʁ/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "mégère" is quite uniform in French, though slight regional accents might result in variations. For instance, in southern France, the "r" might be rolled more than in the standard Parisian accent.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. The old harridan next door yelled at the children for playing in front of her house. (La vieille mégère d'à côté a crié sur les enfants qui jouaient devant sa maison.)
2. Nobody dared to speak back to her, as she was known as the neighborhood harridan. (Personne n'osait lui répondre, car elle était connue comme la mégère du voisinage.)
3. Her reputation as a harridan kept potential tenants from renting the apartment. (Sa réputation de mégère dissuadait les locataires potentiels de louer l'appartement.)
4. The harridan scolded the waiter for bringing her order late. (La mégère a réprimandé le serveur pour avoir apporté sa commande en retard.)
5. Everyone was relieved when the harridan retired from her job. (Tout le monde était soulagé lorsque la mégère a pris sa retraite.)
6. He described his boss as a militant harridan who lacked compassion. (Il décrivait sa patronne comme une mégère militante manquant de compassion.)
7. The children invented legends about the harridan who lived in the haunted house. (Les enfants imaginaient des légendes sur la mégère qui vivait dans la maison hantée.)
8. Despite her appearance as a harridan, she had a kind heart deep inside. (Malgré son apparence de mégère, elle avait un cœur gentil au fond.)
9. Avoiding the harridan's scrutiny was a daily challenge for her colleagues. (Éviter le regard scrutateur de la mégère était un défi quotidien pour ses collègues.)
10. The harridan's piercing voice echoed throughout the entire building. (La voix perçante de la mégère résonnait dans tout l'immeuble.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "harridan" in English

Synonyms: shrew, termagant, nag, virago, crone, fishwife, battle-axe, scold, dragon, fury.

Antonyms: sweetheart, darling, gentlewoman, lady, angel, saint, dove, charmer, belle, good-natured.

Similar Words: witch, hag, nagger, harpy, curmudgeon, scold, matron, spinster, beldam, grump.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "mégère" in French

Synonyms: harpie, virago, mégère, acariâtre, furie, mégérarique, dragon, furibonde, diablesse, Tartar.

Antonyms: gentille, douce, ange, charmante, aimable, bienveillante, sereine, sympathique, agréable, avenante.

Similar Words: sorcière, vieille fille, grosse bête, babayaga, matrone, réclamateuse, empoisonneuse, persifleuse, pintade, rouleuse.

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