moloch

A noun referring to any lizard of the genus Moloch, characterized by its spiny body and native to arid Australian regions.

• 🌐اسم يشير إلى أي سحلية من جنس Moloch، وتتميز بجسمها الشوكي ووجودها في المناطق القاحلة في أستراليا. وقد يُستخدم أيضاً للإشارة إلى إله قديم تُقدَّم له الأضاحي في العهد القديم.

1. Thorny devil lizard B2 formal scientific

   Any spiny-bodied lizard of the genus Moloch, native to Australia, known for its camouflage and ant-eating diet.

   • The moloch lizard uses its spiny body to deter predators.
   • Researchers observed a moloch feeding on ants in the desert.
   • The thorny devil, also known as moloch, can absorb water through its skin.
   • A moloch's color changes depending on the temperature and its surroundings.

   🌐الشيطان الشائك

2. Pagan deity requiring sacrifice C1 formal

   An ancient Ammonite god to whom children were allegedly sacrificed by fire, often referenced in biblical texts.

   • Worship of Moloch was condemned by the prophets as an abomination.
   • The cult of Moloch demanded horrific offerings.
   • Archaeologists debate the extent of child sacrifice in Moloch rituals.
   • In literature, Moloch symbolizes absolute demands that destroy human life.

   🌐إله وثني يطلب الذبائح

   المرادفات: molech

3. Metaphor for destructive power C1 formal

   Any oppressive system, institution, or force that demands extreme or cruel sacrifices.

   • In modern discourse, the term 'Moloch' is used to describe an insatiable war machine.
   • The corporation became a Moloch, devouring the lives of its workers.
   • They saw the regime as a Moloch crushing individual freedoms.
   • The city's relentless growth felt like a Moloch consuming the countryside.

   🌐المولوك

   المرادفات: behemothdevourerjuggernautleviathanmonsterogre