Skunk - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Definition:
A small black-and-white mammal known for its foul-smelling spray when threatened.
Synonyms:
polecat, stinkard, stinker
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
sweet-smelling, fragrant
Common Collocations:
spray a skunk, smell like a skunk, avoid a skunk
Derivatives:
skunky, skunked
Usage Tips:
Use "skunk" as a noun for the animal or a verb meaning to defeat decisively.
Common Phrases:
drunk as a skunk, smell like a skunk, skunk at a garden party
Etymology:
Derived from Algonquian languages, likely from *segankw* ("urinating fox").
Examples:
- 1. The skunk waddled across the road at dusk.
- 2. She screamed when she saw a skunk near her tent.
- 3. The dog got sprayed by a skunk and smelled terrible.
- 4. Our team was completely skunked in the final match.