Definition of kryptonite in English:
kryptonite
noun ˈkrɪptənʌɪtˈkrɪptəˌnaɪt
mass noun1(in the fictional word of the cartoon, TV, and film character Superman) an alien mineral that has the property of depriving Superman of his powers.
the evil Lex Luthor diminishes Superman's powers with kryptonite
Example sentencesExamples
- But it's the snacking, even on so-called ‘healthy foods,’ in between meals that's my kryptonite.
- Did the Raiders uncover Pennington's kryptonite?
- Remember when polystyrene foam was environmental kryptonite?
- ‘It's kryptonite for both sides,’ one travelling official said, and in a exquisitely poised contest like this, neither wants to risk disaster.
- These things are like kryptonite to terrorists.
- 1.1 Something that can seriously weaken or harm a particular person or thing.
flip-flopping on issues can be kryptonite to presidential candidates
such uncertainties are kryptonite for the bond market
Origin
1940s: from Krypton, the name of Superman's home planet (kryptonite is usually depicted as a green mineral that came to earth from Krypton, following its destruction).
Definition of kryptonite in US English:
kryptonite
nounˈkriptəˌnītˈkrɪptəˌnaɪt
1(in the fictional word of the comic book, TV, and film character Superman) an alien mineral that has the property of depriving Superman of his powers.
the evil Lex Luthor diminishes Superman's powers with kryptonite
Example sentencesExamples
- But it's the snacking, even on so-called ‘healthy foods,’ in between meals that's my kryptonite.
- These things are like kryptonite to terrorists.
- Did the Raiders uncover Pennington's kryptonite?
- Remember when polystyrene foam was environmental kryptonite?
- ‘It's kryptonite for both sides,’ one travelling official said, and in a exquisitely poised contest like this, neither wants to risk disaster.
- 1.1 Something that can seriously weaken or harm a particular person or thing.
flip-flopping on issues can be kryptonite to presidential candidates
such uncertainties are kryptonite for the bond market
Origin
1940s: from Krypton, the name of Superman's home planet (kryptonite is usually depicted as a green mineral that came to earth from Krypton, following its destruction).