an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts
"The children huddled together in fear as the local legend warned of a terrifying monster lurking beneath the old bridge, described in folklore as a beast made of snake scales and human eyes."
a person or animal that is markedly unusual or deformed
"The old man's gnarled fingers and twisted spine made him look like a living monster to the children who played near his porch."
A terrifying and dangerous creature.
"The local legend warns that a terrible monster lurks in the dark forest, capable of snatching unsuspecting travelers whole."
In plain English: A monster is a frightening creature that is often imagined to be very large and dangerous.
"The giant monster under the bed was just my imagination."
Usage: Use "monster" to describe a frightening or dangerous beast in stories or mythology, but also apply it metaphorically to an extremely large object or a person who behaves cruelly. Avoid using it for ordinary animals unless you specifically mean they are unusually big or aggressive.
To make into a monster; to categorise as a monster; to demonise.
"The tabloids often try to turn ordinary teenagers into monsters by reporting on every minor mistake they make."
In plain English: To make something look scary or frightening by using makeup, lights, and other tricks.
"The storm monstered our small boat by tossing it against the rocks."
Usage: Use "monster" as a verb when you want to say that someone has unfairly or harshly labeled another person as a villain or threat. This usage implies creating an exaggerated enemy out of someone rather than describing their actual actions.
Very large; worthy of a monster.
"The ancient tree was so massive that it seemed like a true monster compared to everything else in the forest."
In plain English: The adjective monster means extremely large or huge.
"That monster movie scared me so much that I couldn't sleep all night."
Usage: Use "monstrous" to describe something that is shockingly large or excessive, such as a monstrous appetite or a monstrous bill. Avoid using the noun "monster" as an adjective, even though it might seem logical in casual speech.
The word monster comes from the Latin mōnstrum, which originally referred to a portent or omen sent by gods. It traveled into English through Middle and Old French before taking on its modern meaning of a frightening creature.