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Aegis Has Greek and Latin Roots
English borrowed aegis from Latin, but the word ultimately comes from the Greek noun aigís, meaning “goatskin.” In ancient Greek mythology, an aegis was something that offered physical protection. It has been depicted in various ways, including as a magical protective cloak made from the skin of the goat that suckled Zeus as an infant, and as a shield fashioned by Hephaestus that bore the severed head of the Gorgon Medusa. The word first entered English in the 15th century as a noun referring to the shield or breastplate associated with Zeus or Athena. It later took on a more general sense of “protection” and, by the late-19th century, it had acquired the extended senses of “auspices” and “sponsorship.”
Synonyms
Examples of aegis in a Sentence
Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2024
Under his aegis, Alfa Romeo scored numerous grand prix wins, including victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Mille Miglia, the Targa Florio, the 24 Hours of Spa, and the Watkins Glen Road Race, among other motorsport contests.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2024
The Academy Museum undoubtedly gains from the aegis of AMPAS as well as its members and affiliates.
—Gary Baum For The Hollywood Reporter, ARTnews.com, 24 July 2024
In 2018, for instance, Nepali leaders were not pleased when Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated that U.S. policy toward Nepal fell under the aegis of the IPS.
—Paul Staniland, Foreign Affairs, 2 May 2024
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aegis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Aegis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aegis. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
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aegis
noun
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