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Kryptonite

//ˈkɹɪptənaɪt// noun, verb, slang

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    The one weakness of something or someone that is otherwise invulnerable. figuratively, uncountable, usually

    "The terrific seven-grain bread here is the kryptonite of restaurant reviewers: two mini-loaves and you are incapacitated."

  2. 2
    Crack cocaine. slang, uncountable, usually
Verb
  1. 1
    To expose to, or attack with, kryptonite.

    "And even those two were pretty puny, like Superman after he had been kryptonited."

  2. 2
    To destroy, wreck, or ruin; to affect adversely, as Superman is affected by kryptonite. figuratively

Etymology

Etymology 1

From a fictional radioactive element, kryptonite, that has a detrimental effect on the otherwise invulnerable character Superman. Apparently formed as krypton (“a chemical element, Kr”) + -ite.

Etymology 2

From a fictional radioactive element, kryptonite, that has a detrimental effect on the otherwise invulnerable character Superman. Apparently formed as krypton (“a chemical element, Kr”) + -ite.

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