好词典

jackal

UK //ˈdʒækɔːl//US //ˈdʒækɔːl//

词源

源自波斯语 shaghal,通过土耳其语 çakal 传入欧洲语言,最终演变为英语 jackal。

noun

❶ 一种中等体型的犬科动物,外形似狐狸,主要分布在非洲和亚洲部分地区,常以腐肉为食,也会捕猎小型动物。

“The jackal howled under the moonlight.”

(豺狼在月光下嚎叫。)

“A jackal was spotted near the village last night.”

(昨晚有人在村子附近看到一只豺。)

❶ 比喻为他人做卑鄙或肮脏工作的人,通常带有贬义,指那些为权势者效劳的帮凶。

“He was nothing but a political jackal, doing the dirty work for his superiors.”

(他不过是个政治走狗,为上级干些肮脏勾当。)

“The dictator's jackals silenced all opposition.”

(独裁者的爪牙们压制了所有反对声音。)

同义词:coyote, hyena, lackey, minion, henchman

常见短语

laugh like a jackal — 形容发出刺耳或不怀好意的笑声,通常暗示嘲笑或幸灾乐祸的态度。

“When he heard the news, he laughed like a jackal.”

(听到这个消息时,他发出豺狼般的笑声。)