SFINX :

Name and Meaning
The name "Sphinx" derives from the Greek word "sphingo," to strangle, or "sphingein," to bind tight, based on its habit of strangling its victims. The name was subsequently applied to the Egyptian and other arabic sphinxes because of their physical similarity to descriptions of the mythical Greek Sphinx.

The Sphinx was considered a demon of death, devouring, destruction and bad luck. This is in contrast to the Egyptian and arabic sphinxes which were usually represented as guardians that embodied wisdom, strength, nobility and a relatively benign attitude toward human beings (at least those who did not violate what they were set to guard).

One current meaning of the word "sphinx" is "an enigmatic or mysterious person." The development of this particular usage arose from the fact that "enigma" also derives from the Greek "ainigma," 'to speak in riddles,' with perhaps the added influence of the inscrutable and mysterious Great Sphinx of Egypt.