gladiator
/ˈɡlædiˌeɪtɚ/ · gla·di·a·tor
noun
- A person (professional or slave) who entertained the public by engaging in mortal combat with another, or with a wild animal, in ancient Rome. The gladiator faced the lion in the Colosseum.
- A disputant in a public controversy or debate. During the meeting, he became the gladiator of the debate.
- A professional boxer. The champion was a renowned gladiator in the ring.
verb
- To fight as entertainment for others. They gladiated in the arena.
- To compete in a public contest. The students gladiated for the scholarship.
- To debate or argue. She gladiated her opponent in the panel discussion.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Did you know? The word "gladiator" entered modern usage to describe fierce public debaters, such as the "gladiators of the political arena."