kryptonite

[ krip-tuh-nahyt ]

noun
  1. Usually Kryptonite . a fictional radioactive substance that is the only thing capable of hurting or weakening the otherwise invulnerable superhero Superman: Exposure to Kryptonite nullifies Superman's powers and immobilizes him with pain.

  2. Sometimes Kryptonite . something that a person or thing cannot defend against or defeat; a nemesis or bête noire: The team has not found a way to stop the triple option attack, which has been their kryptonite over the last several years.Garlic oil is kryptonite for aphids.

Origin of kryptonite

1
Coined in 1943 by writer and producer George Lowther (1913–1975); krypton + -ite1

Words Nearby kryptonite

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use kryptonite in a sentence

  • If you buy a kryptonite bike lock and it can be defeated with a Bic pen, you're not getting very good security for your money.

    Little Brother | Cory Doctorow