kryptonite
Americannoun
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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.
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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.
Etymology
Origin of kryptonite
Coined in 1943 by writer and producer George Lowther (1913–1975); krypton ( def. ) + -ite 1 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Inflation can be kryptonite for bonds.
From MarketWatch
Constan has made some savvy past calls, such as in late December 2021, when he predicted Fed plans for balance sheet reductions would prove “kryptonite” for assets — stocks tumbled in 2022.
From MarketWatch
The band is best known for 2000s rock hits like Kryptonite, Here Without You, When I'm Gone, and Loser.
From BBC
Arnold wrote Kryptonite, the band's breakout 2000 hit, "in his math class when he was just 15 years old", the statement continued.
From BBC
As a 15-year-old in algebra class, he wrote the song “Kryptonite,” drumming out the beat on his desk.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
