gladiateur

gladiator

noun glah-dyah-TUR Rare

Origin: Latin gladiator, from gladius (sword)

Usage Note

Gladiateur refers to the armed fighters of ancient Rome who fought in amphitheatres (arènes). Figuratively, it is used in French journalism and sport to describe someone who fights with exceptional aggression or courage. The plural is gladiateurs.

Examples

"Les gladiateurs combattaient dans le Colisée."

Natural Translation

Gladiators fought in the Colosseum.

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