# praying mantis

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈpɹeɪ.ɪŋ ˈmæntɪs/

## Definitions
1. Any of various predatory, cannibalistic insects of the order Mantodea that have a prayer-like stance.
2. A mantid of the species Mantis religiosa.
3. A woman who preys on men (from the idea that female praying mantises eat males after sex).

## Etymology
Mantis from Greek μάντις (mántis). Named "praying mantis" for their stance, with the forelegs held together in a way that resembles a person praying. Similar designations exist in many European as well as non-European languages. Compare for example French mante religieuse (literally “religious mantis”), German Gottesanbeterin (literally “God-worshipper”), Portuguese louva-a-deus (literally “God-praiser”), Persian آخوندک (âxundak, literally “little cleric”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/praying-mantis