1. In Greek mythology, one of three monstrous sisters with snakes for hair whose gaze turns people to stone.
Usage: Often capitalized when referring to the mythological creatures (Gorgon); lowercase when used figuratively.
2. A woman who is extremely ugly or frightening in appearance.
Usage: Informal; often considered offensive or derogatory.

Examples

• In Greek mythology, Medusa was the most famous of the three Gorgons.
• The hero Perseus defeated the Gorgon by using his shield as a mirror to avoid her deadly stare.
• She glared at him with such intensity that he joked she looked like a Gorgon.
• The ancient Greeks depicted Gorgons with writhing serpents instead of hair.
• According to legend, anyone who looked directly at a Gorgon would turn to stone.