Definition
A gauntlet is a type of protective glove worn as a part of a suit of armor or for hand protection in various activities, including sports. It can also refer to a challenge or ordeal that someone must go through or a double line of people that someone must walk through while being hit or attacked.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun
Synonyms
Challenge, trial, ordeal, glove, mitt, protector, defense
Antonyms
Advantage, aid, assistance, benefit, help
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | gauntlets, gauntlet |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The medieval knight wore a gauntlet as a part of his armor to protect his hand from injury in battle.
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The boxer put on his gauntlets before stepping into the ring.
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She had to run a gauntlet of questions from the reporters after the press conference.
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The politician faced a gauntlet of criticism from his opponents during the debate.
Usage
The word “gauntlet” has multiple meanings, but they all refer to a type of challenge or protection. The original meaning of gauntlet comes from the French word “gantelet”, meaning little glove, and it referred to a type of armor worn by knights to protect their hands. Over time, the word began to be used more generally to refer to any type of protective glove worn for hand protection.
In addition to the meaning related to protective gloves, “gauntlet” can also refer to a challenge or ordeal that someone must go through. For example, a person might have to run the gauntlet of a series of difficult questions during a job interview or face a gauntlet of criticism from their colleagues during a presentation.
Another meaning of “gauntlet” is a double line of people through which someone must pass, often while being hit or attacked. This meaning is derived from the practice of punishment in which a person would be forced to run between two rows of soldiers who would strike him with sticks or whips.
Overall, the word “gauntlet” is often used in contexts related to challenges, obstacles, and protection. It can refer to physical protection, such as the gloves worn by boxers, or to more abstract challenges, such as facing criticism or difficult questions.