gadfly

gad-fly · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A fly that bites livestock, especially a horsefly or botfly.

  2. 2.

    A person who persistently annoys or provokes others, especially into action, by criticism.

Forms

plural: gadflies

Related words

See also: critic, horsefly
Synonyms: critic, horsefly, provocateur

Etymology

From Old English gad (meaning "spike" or "goad") + fly, referring to the fly's stinging bite.