Lake Trasimenus

9.6

A battle in Italy where Hannibal ambushed and defeated a Roman army

proper noun

: Lago Trasimeno

The Battle of Lake Trasimenus was one of the most successful ambushes in military history.

Examples

Hannibal's tactics at Lake Trasimenus are still studied by military strategists today.
Many soldiers lost their lives at Lake Trasimenus during the Second Punic War.
The battle at Lake Trasimenus was a turning point in the Second Punic War.
Hannibal's strategy at Lake Trasimenus showcased his military genius.
Hannibal's tactics at Lake Trasimenus are still studied by military strategists today.
Many soldiers lost their lives at Lake Trasimenus during the Second Punic War.
The Battle of Lake Trasimenus was one of the most successful ambushes in military history.

Surface Forms

Lake Trasimenus main

Morphology

lake + Trasimenus

Although 'lake' signals a body of water, the specific sense given — 'the site of a major battle in 217 BC where Hannibal ambushed and defeated a Roman army' — is encyclopedic/historical information that cannot be derived from the constituents. A B1 learner who only knows 'lake' and the proper name would only infer a lake named Trasimenus, not its historical significance, so the expression is not transparent.

Etymology

Lake Trasimenus is remembered for a famous event in 217 BC when the general Hannibal hid his soldiers in the hills beside the lake and suddenly attacked a marching Roman army. That strong image of soldiers appearing from the hills explains why the name brings to mind a deadly 'ambush' and is linked to that battle today.