Aegis — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈē-jəs/ ae·gis

Meaning & Definition of Aegis

Aegis (noun)

  1. a shield or breastplate emblematic of majesty that was associated with Zeus and Athena
  2. protection
  3. controlling or conditioning influence

Aegis (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. means or method of defending

    "having no claim to the land under the aegis of the law, the cattle baron decided to claim it by force"

    similar: ammunition, armor, buckler, cover, defense, guard, protection, safeguard, screen, security, shield, wall, ward
    related: arm, armament, munitions, weapon, weaponry, fastness, fort, fortress, palisade, stronghold
    near: aggression, assault, attack, offense, offensive

  2. the financial support and general guidance for an undertaking

    "a medical study that was questioned by many because it was done under the aegis of a major pharmaceutical company"

    similar: auspice, backing, patronage, sponsorship
    related: bankrolling, endowment, financing, funding, subsidy, encouragement, fosterage, aid, assistance, help

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Aegis

The most common words with a similar meaning to Aegis:

ammunition, armor, buckler, cover, defense, guard, protection, safeguard, screen, security, shield, wall, ward, auspice, backing, patronage, sponsorship

Related Words for Aegis

arm, armament, munitions, weapon, weaponry, fastness, fort, fortress, palisade, stronghold, bankrolling, endowment, financing, funding, subsidy, encouragement, fosterage, aid, assistance, help

Near Antonyms of Aegis

aggression, assault, attack, offense, offensive

Origin & Etymology of Aegis

borrowed from Latin, borrowed from Greek aigís "goatskin, mantle of Zeus," derivative of aig-, aíx "goat"; akin to Armenian aic "goat" (perhaps going back to Indo-European *h2eiǵ-ih2-), and perhaps to Avestan izaēna "of leather"

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Aegis

Frequently Asked Questions about Aegis

What does "Aegis" mean?

"Aegis" means a shield or breastplate emblematic of majesty that was associated with Zeus and Athena. As a noun, it is defined as: a shield or breastplate emblematic of majesty that was associated with Zeus and Athena. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Aegis"?

Other words for "Aegis" include ammunition, armor, buckler, cover, defense, guard, protection and safeguard. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Aegis" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Aegis"?

There are 37 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Aegis". Common alternatives include ammunition, armor, buckler, cover, defense, guard, protection, safeguard, screen and security.

How do you use "Aegis" in a sentence?

Examples of "Aegis" in a sentence: "having no claim to the land under the aegis of the law, the cattle baron decided to claim it by force"; "a medical study that was questioned by many because it was done under the aegis of a major pharmaceutical company".

Is "Aegis" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Aegis" is a noun.

Is "Aegis" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Aegis" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Aegis"?

"Aegis" is pronounced /ˈē-jəs/ and divided into syllables as ae·gis.

What is the origin of the word "Aegis"?

"Aegis" comes from borrowed from Latin, borrowed from Greek aigís "goatskin, mantle of Zeus," derivative of aig-, aíx "goat"; akin to Armenian aic "goat" (perhaps going back to Indo-European *h2eiǵ-ih2-), and perhaps to Avestan izaēna "of leather". First known use: 15th century.