gadfly
Translation
gadfly, annoying person, provocateur
Examples
A gadfly buzzed around the horse's head.
A gadfly buzzed around the horse's head.
He was a political gadfly, always questioning the government.
He was a political gadfly, always questioning the government.
Grammar Patterns
((a)) gadfly a type of large fly A gadfly buzzed around the horse's head.
((a)) political/social gadfly an annoying person who provokes others He was a political gadfly.
Similar Words
Synonyms (for a person): nuisance, pest, provocateur, critic
Etymology
From Old Norse 'gaddr' (spike, sting) + 'fly'. Literally a 'stinging fly'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a fly that 'goads' (prods, incites) an animal. The figurative sense applies this to a person who annoys or provokes others into action.