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maverick Definition

mav·er·ick (mavər ik, mavrik)

noun

  1. an unbranded animal, esp. a strayed calf
  2. Informal a person who takes an independent stand, as in politics, from that of a party or group

Etymology: after S. Maverick (1803-70), Texas rancher who did not brand his cattle

maverick Synonyms

maverick

modif.

in opposition, in revolt, contentious, aberrant, nonconformist; see also quarrelsome 1, radical 2, unusual 2.

maverick Synonyms

maverick

n.

  1. Calf

    unbranded calf, yearling, renegade calf; see animal 2, calf.

  2. Nonconformist

    dissenter, malcontent, extremist; see nonconformist, radical.

maverick Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • play: Griffiths plays a maverick but inspirational teacher who wins the adoration of his sixth-formers as they study to win a place at Oxbridge.

Adjective modifier

  • fellow: He exchanged harsh words and occasionally fisticuffs with fellow mouthy mavericks like Spike Lee, Oliver Stone and producer Don Murphy.
  • musical: Watch the video Just Jack - Writer's Block video Just Jack is a musical maverick, talented DJ and sparkling wordsmith.
  • political: But think again: both regarded as political mavericks and driven by a rebel heart; both famed for a love of firey spirits.
  • few: There are, however, a few mavericks in each box, or items which would be better placed elsewhere.
  • American: It's a real art form, as evidenced by the plaudits laid at the feet of North American mavericks like Cronenberg.
  • true: Thatâs why so many of the true mavericks keep moving on.

Modifies a noun

  • cop: Enter maverick cop " Eagle " Li ( Lee ), whose driving passion becomes the apprehension of Jeff's tortured soul.
  • genius: Innovation, let alone maverick genius, is easily stifled.
  • detective: He stars in three series of Murphy's Law as the dark maverick detective, Murphy, and is currently filming a fourth.
  • MP: Lord Taylor has criticized Mr Hague for not being decisive and acting against the maverick MP.
  • scientist: The UN are very worried about the possible involvement of the maverick scientist Dr. Connor.
  • talent: Von Trier's a truly maverick talent, one worth treasuring.

Noun used with modifier

  • quot: Like quot maverick lowenstein said a. A friendly form their access.
  • celluloid: Celluloid Mavericks: A History of American Independent Film.
  • jazz: Howard is " a man of action " in his own words, a jazz maverick who spans the genres.
  • pop: Someone the other day called us ' English pop mavericks ' and I just thought ' Please stop calling us that!
  • dance: Award winning Portuguese choreographer Rui Horta is a dance maverick.

Possessives

  • tradition: Philip Kitcher has described a ' maverick ' tradition in the philosophy of mathematics which emphasizes the practice and human side of mathematics.

Preposition: of

  • cinema: If you are a curious beginner, it's a gripping, entertaining autobiography of one of the true mavericks of American cinema.

Browse dictionary entries near maverick

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