A harmless spiny lizard of grotesque appearance which feeds chiefly on ants, found in arid inland Australia.

Moloch horridus, family Agamidae

1A Canaanite idol to whom children were sacrificed.

1. 1.1as noun a Moloch A person or thing to which extreme or terrible sacrifices are made.
   Example sentencesExamples

   • The spelling reform is a Moloch in the days of empty coffers, which will cost everyone a huge amount.
   • There is no excuse for any parent who would knowingly sacrifice his son or daughter to the fires of this Moloch, no excuse for wittingly allowing a child to remain within the system for one day longer than necessary!