Definition of the word harpy

The word "harpy" originated from Greek mythology. Harpy (ἅρπυς in Greek) literally means "snatcher" or "plunderess" in Greek. In Greek mythology, Harpies were mythical creatures that were depicted as a female hybrid of a human upper body and a bird-like lower body, with the wings and talons of a vulture. They were known for their screeching voices and were believed to snatch food and children from their families. The Harpies, led by their queen, Aello, were said to be punished by the Greek god Zeus for stealing food. As a result, they were chained to a rock by the god Boreas, where they continued to screech and blow winds that wreaked havoc. The word "harpy" has come to be used to describe loud, screeching women in modern-day English, although the term is now commonly used to simply describe a bird-like monster in literature and mythology.