moloch

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

• 🇩🇪Substantiv, das den Australischen Dornteufel (Moloch horridus) bezeichnet, eine stachelige Echse aus den Wüstengebieten Australiens; im weiteren Sinne auch allgemein eine Echse der Gattung Moloch.

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.

   🇩🇪Moloch

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.

   🇩🇪Heidnische Gottheit, die Opfer verlangt

   Synonyme: 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.

   🇩🇪Moloch

   Synonyme: behemothdevourerjuggernautleviathanmonsterogre