different between octopian vs octopuslike

English

Adjective

octopian (comparative more octopian, superlative most octopian)

1. Of, pertaining to, or resembling an octopus; octopuslike.
   • 1893, Robert Bell, A physician's poems, page 25:

     But darker still the shadows gather round, / And further deepen, when no outlet's found / By which the pent-up stream may overflow, / And on the stricken heart relief bestow. / When poignant Grief, with its octopian arms, / Enthrals its victim, […]

   • 1894, The American Journal of Politics, page 628:

     With insidious creepings it fastens its octopian arms on the body politic, before scarcely its presence is perceived. The first cause in which it robs the people of their privileges is always a worthy one. A railway is built to connect East and West. […]

   • 1910, Electrical Review and Western Electrician, page 97:

     One great trouble with central stations roused to activity by oratory and co-operativa rebuke has been the tendency to switch with altogether unjustifiable suddenness from “octopian graspingness” to “altruistic philanthropy.”

Synonyms

• see list in octopuslike

English

Etymology

octopus +? -like

Adjective

octopuslike (comparative more octopuslike, superlative most octopuslike)

1. Resembling or characteristic of an octopus, for example in having eight (or many) arms.
2. Widespread or able (from a central point) to control or manipulate many things.
   • 1948, Henry Robinson Luce, Time, page 26:

     Matsui, the Mitsubishi and other great families which had built up an octopuslike control of industry, banking and trade — would be put out of action.

Synonyms

• (octopus-like): octopal (rare), octopean, octopian (rare), octopic (rare), octopine, octopodal, octopodean, octopodial, octopodian, octopodic, octopoid, octopoidal, octopusal (rare), octopusesque (rare), octopusial (rare), octopusian (rare), octopusish (rare), octopusy (rare)