out–Herod

verb out–Her·od \ˌau̇t-ˈher-əd\

Definition of OUT-HEROD

transitive verb

: to exceed in violence or extravagance —usually used in the phrase out-Herod Herod

out- + Herod the Great, depicted in medieval mystery plays as a blustering tyrant

First Known Use: 1602

Next Word in the Dictionary: out homePrevious Word in the Dictionary: outherAll Words Near: out-Herod

What made you want to look up out-Herod? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears