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Disinterment: meaning, definitions and examples

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disinterment

 

[ ˌdɪs.ɪnˈtɜːr.mənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

burial, archaeology

Disinterment refers to the act of removing a body from a grave. This process is often applied in forensic anthropology to investigate potential criminal activity or in archaeological digs to uncover historical remains. Disinterment can also occur when relocations of remains are required for various reasons, such as cemetery reorganization or family wishes. It is a sensitive action, often governed by legal and ethical considerations, especially concerning respect for the deceased and their relatives.

Synonyms

digging up, exhumation, removal

Examples of usage

  • The disinterment of historical figures can provide valuable insights into their lives.
  • Disinterment procedures must follow specific legal guidelines.
  • The archaeologists conducted a disinterment to study the burial practices of ancient civilizations.

Translations

Translations of the word "disinterment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exumação

🇮🇳 दफनाने का स्थान निकालना

🇩🇪 Exhumierung

🇮🇩 penggalian kembali

🇺🇦 екзгумація

🇵🇱 ekshumacja

🇯🇵 掘り起こし

🇫🇷 exhumation

🇪🇸 exhumación

🇹🇷 mezardan çıkarma

🇰🇷 발굴

🇸🇦 إخراج من القبر

🇨🇿 exhumace

🇸🇰 exhumácia

🇨🇳 掘墓

🇸🇮 ekshumacija

🇮🇸 grafarupptaka

🇰🇿 екзумция

🇬🇪 ექსჰუმაცია

🇦🇿 ekshumasiya

🇲🇽 exhumación

Etymology

The word 'disinterment' is derived from the Latin roots 'dis-' meaning 'apart' and 'inter', which means 'to bury'. The term 'inter' has been used in English since the 14th century, originally referring specifically to the act of placing a body in a grave. The prefix 'dis-' was added to describe the reverse action of taking a body out of its burial place. This word's usage became more common in legal and archaeological contexts as these fields developed, particularly during the 19th century, when advances in forensic science began to drive interest in the examination of human remains. Over time, 'disinterment' has also come to be associated with ritual practices in various cultures, reflecting the complexities of how societies deal with death and remembrance.