berserker in English
- berserker⇄berserker, noun.
1. (Scandinavian Legend.) one of a class of fierce Norse warriors who fought on the battlefield with such wild fury that they needed no armor.
2. (Figurative.) anyone so carried away by excitement or rage.
Berserker
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/bərˈzɜːrkər/
Definitions
- 1. (noun) A member of a group of ancient Norse warriors who fought with intense fury and were said to enter battle in a trance-like state.
- 2. (noun) A person who acts with extreme, uncontrolled intensity or aggression, especially in a competitive or combative context.
Usage Examples
- The berserkers were feared in battle for their terrifying ferocity.
- He fought like a berserker, charging at his opponents with wild abandon.
- The team's defense was like a berserker's rage, blocking every attack with relentless force.
Etymology
From Old Norse "berserkr," meaning "bear shirt," referring to the warriors who wore bear pelts and fought with wild, uncontrollable rage. The word "berserkr" is derived from "ber" (bear) and "serkr" (shirt or coat), referencing the warrior's attire and his wild behavior during battle.
Synonyms
- Frenzied fighter
- Warrior
- Fury
- Crazed attacker
- Savage
Antonyms
- Pacifist
- Peacemaker
- Calm
- Controlled
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Berserker | /berˈserker/ |
| French | Berserk | /bɛʁzɛʁk/ |
| German | Berserker | /bɛʁˈzɛʁkər/ |
| Italian | Berserker | /berˈzɛrkɛr/ |
| Portuguese | Berserker | /beʁˈzeʁkɛr/ |
| Russian | Берсерк | /bʲɪrˈsʲɛrk/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 狂战士 | /kuáng zhànshì/ |
| Japanese | バーサーカー | /bāsākā/ |
| Korean | 광전사 | /gwangjeonsa/ |
| Arabic | بيرسيركر | /birsīrkər/ |
| Hindi | बर्सेरकर | /barsērkār/ |
| Bengali | বারসার্কার | /bārsārkār/ |
| Gujarati | બરસર્કર | /barsərkər/ |
| Punjabi | ਬਰਸੇਰਕਰ | /barsērkar/ |
| Marathi | बर्सेरकर | /barsērkār/ |
| Malayalam | ബേഴ്സർക്കർ | /bērsarkar/ |
| Tamil | பர்செர்கர் | /parcerkar/ |
| Telugu | బెర్సర్కర్ | /bersērkar/ |
| Kannada | ಬರ್ಸರ್ಕರ್ | /barsērkər/ |
| Odia | ବରସେର୍କର | /barsērkar/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
The pronunciation of "berserker" can differ slightly depending on the region, but the stress generally falls on the second syllable in most English dialects.
Historical Usage
Berserkers were an elite class of Viking warriors who were reputed to fight in a frenzied, trance-like state, exhibiting great strength and fearlessness. This behavior was thought to be induced by ritualistic practices or drug-induced states. Historically, berserkers were often feared and respected on the battlefield for their terrifying fury.
Cultural Nuances
In modern times, the term "berserker" is used more broadly to describe anyone who exhibits extreme and uncontrollable aggression, often in a competitive or combative context. It is sometimes used in sports, video games, or movies to refer to characters or players who show extraordinary aggression or strength.
More Information
The concept of the berserker has been romanticized in popular culture and literature, often portrayed as a heroic, albeit dangerous, figure. While berserkers were believed to be under the influence of supernatural forces or rituals, today the term refers to an outburst of intense, often irrational, rage or aggression. Modern interpretations of the berserker myth emphasize the idea of losing oneself in battle or competition, either physically or emotionally.