Basilisk
noun
A legendary reptile known to kill with its deadly gaze or breath, especially in ancient mythology and medieval bestiaries.
In the story, the knight has to face a terrifying basilisk in his quest.

Often appears as...
- face the basilisk
- kill the basilisk
Usage tips
Literary
noun
A type of small and long lizard that is found mainly in South and Central America.
The basilisk is known to run short distances on water which has earned it the nickname 'Jesus lizard'.

Often appears as...
- basilisk lizard
- 'jesus lizard'
noun
A legendary reptile known to kill with its deadly gaze or breath, especially in ancient mythology and medieval bestiaries.
In the story, the knight has to face a terrifying basilisk in his quest.

Often appears as...
- face the basilisk
- kill the basilisk
Usage tips
Literary
noun
A type of small and long lizard that is found mainly in South and Central America.
The basilisk is known to run short distances on water which has earned it the nickname 'Jesus lizard'.

Often appears as...
- basilisk lizard
- 'jesus lizard'
Definition 1 of 2

Mythical Creature
In stories, basilisks are often portrayed as evil or dangerous creatures you must avoid or defeat.

Legends say that only a weasel can kill a basilisk, whose venom is deadly to all else.
Fearful Presence
The term 'basilisk' is used to symbolize something or someone inducing fear or is of immense power.

The dictator was regarded as the basilisk of the nation, petrifying those who opposed him.
Literary Symbol
In literature, a basilisk might symbolize an insurmountable challenge or something toxic.

In the novel, corruption was the basilisk that paralyzed the kingdom.
Mythical Creature
In stories, basilisks are often portrayed as evil or dangerous creatures you must avoid or defeat.

Legends say that only a weasel can kill a basilisk, whose venom is deadly to all else.
Fearful Presence
The term 'basilisk' is used to symbolize something or someone inducing fear or is of immense power.

The dictator was regarded as the basilisk of the nation, petrifying those who opposed him.
Literary Symbol
In literature, a basilisk might symbolize an insurmountable challenge or something toxic.

In the novel, corruption was the basilisk that paralyzed the kingdom.
Mythical Creature
In stories, basilisks are often portrayed as evil or dangerous creatures you must avoid or defeat.

Legends say that only a weasel can kill a basilisk, whose venom is deadly to all else.
Fearful Presence
The term 'basilisk' is used to symbolize something or someone inducing fear or is of immense power.

The dictator was regarded as the basilisk of the nation, petrifying those who opposed him.
Literary Symbol
In literature, a basilisk might symbolize an insurmountable challenge or something toxic.

In the novel, corruption was the basilisk that paralyzed the kingdom.
Video examples
Jesus Christ Lizard PIPE...
exclusive property of the territorial male it has nothing to do with the feeding habits of the basilisk which consists primarily of insects and berries this predatory reptile will help reveal the secret as it stalks the young
Video examples
Costa Rican Jungle 360°...
the right of the vine snake just towards the top of that vertical branch it's perhaps their most difficult to find of our hidden species a brown basilisk right now it's tricky to spot but this
Video examples
Jesus Christ Lizard PIPE...
exclusive property of the territorial male it has nothing to do with the feeding habits of the basilisk which consists primarily of insects and berries this predatory reptile will help reveal the secret as it stalks the young
Video examples
Costa Rican Jungle 360°...
the right of the vine snake just towards the top of that vertical branch it's perhaps their most difficult to find of our hidden species a brown basilisk right now it's tricky to spot but this
Example 1 of 2
Quote examples
A. N. Wilson
English Writer
Nearly all monster stories depend for their success on Jack killing the Giant, Beowulf or St. George slaying the Dragon, Harry Potter triumphing over the basilisk. That is their inner grammar, and the whole shape of the story leads towards it.

Quote examples
A. N. Wilson
English Writer
Nearly all monster stories depend for their success on Jack killing the Giant, Beowulf or St. George slaying the Dragon, Harry Potter triumphing over the basilisk. That is their inner grammar, and the whole shape of the story leads towards it.

Example 1 of 1
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