Definition

A mythical dog that is often seen as a guardian of the underworld, sometimes depicted as fierce and devilish.

Example

In the story, the hero had to face a hellhound to reach the gates of the underworld.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the legend about the hellhound?

Yeah, isn't it supposed to be a guardian of the underworld?

Exactly! It's like a mythical dog that protects the gates of Hades.

That sounds intriguing; I love stories about mythical creatures!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hellhound → It is formed from "hell" (from Old English *hel*, meaning the underworld or a place of torment) and "hound" (from Old English *hund*, meaning dog). The word "hellhound" refers to a dog associated with hell or the underworld, often depicted as a supernatural creature.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'dog' ('hound') that is linked to the 'underworld' ('hell') — that's why a hellhound is a dog from hell.

Visually Confused Words