好词典

wildcat

UK //ˈwaɪldkæt//US //ˈwaɪldkæt//

词源

源自中古英语 'wildcat',由 'wild'(野生的)和 'cat'(猫)组成,最初指野生的猫科动物,后引申为形容狂野或未经批准的事物。

noun

❶ 指野生的猫科动物,如猞猁、美洲狮等,通常生活在野外而非家养。

“We spotted a wildcat in the forest during our hike.”

(我们在徒步时在森林里发现了一只野猫。)

“The wildcat is known for its elusive nature and hunting skills.”

(野猫以其难以捉摸的天性和捕猎技巧而闻名。)

❶ 形容人或行为狂野、难以预测,常用于比喻。

“He has a wildcat personality, always full of energy and surprises.”

(他有狂野的性格,总是充满活力和惊喜。)

“Her wildcat behavior at the party shocked everyone.”

(她在派对上的狂野行为让所有人都震惊了。)

同义词:lynx, bobcat, cougar, puma

adjective

❶ 形容未经官方批准或非法的活动,如罢工或钻井。

“The workers organized a wildcat strike without union approval.”

(工人们未经工会批准组织了一场野猫罢工。)

“Wildcat drilling operations can be risky and unregulated.”

(野猫钻井操作可能风险高且不受监管。)

同义词:unauthorized, illegal, unofficial

常见短语

wildcat strike — 指工人未经工会或官方批准的突然罢工,通常因临时不满引发。

“The wildcat strike disrupted production at the factory for days.”

(这场野猫罢工导致工厂生产中断数天。)

wildcat well — 指未经充分勘探或批准的石油或天然气钻井,通常风险较高。

“The company drilled a wildcat well in hopes of striking oil.”

(公司钻了一口野猫井,希望能发现石油。)