modern-day Frankenstein
- noun
- Literature
:
Frankenstein moderno
- Some critics have called the controversial genetic engineer a modern-day Frankenstein.
Examples
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The film's villain is portrayed as a modern-day Frankenstein, obsessed with creating new forms of life.
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Many consider genetic engineers to be modern-day Frankensteins.
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He was accused of playing God, like a modern-day Frankenstein in the laboratory.
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Elon Musk is often seen as a modern-day Frankenstein for his ambitious projects.
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The scientist was labeled a modern-day Frankenstein for his radical experiments with artificial intelligence.
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With his untested procedures, the researcher has become a modern-day Frankenstein in the field of genetics.
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Critics argue that the inventor is a modern-day Frankenstein as he pushes the boundaries of ethical science.
Synonyms
172
7.2
A scientist in Mary Shelley's novel who makes a living creature from dead body parts
A scientist whose work many people see as dangerous or unethical
A person or company that creates powerful technology that causes dangerous problems
Antonyms
How Risky
- Literature
2
7.9
1
3.7
38
4.3
693
2.7
Surface Forms
Morphology
modern-day + Frankenstein
The phrase combines the adjective 'modern-day' (contemporary) with the figurative noun 'Frankenstein' (a creation that harms its maker), so the overall sense of a contemporary dangerous or uncontrollable creation is directly derivable from the parts. This straightforward adjective–noun composition is a common, cross-linguistic pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would likely infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Modern-day Frankenstein comes from Mary Shelley's story about Victor Frankenstein, a man who joined dead body parts to make life and then lost control of his creation. So, calling someone a modern-day Frankenstein means they are seen as 'playing God' by creating life or doing bold, risky experiments.