Executioner: meaning, definitions and examples

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executioner

[ ˌɛksɪˈkjuːʃ(ə)nər ]

^{Context #1}

criminal justice system

An executioner is a person who carries out the punishment of death on a condemned person.

Synonyms

capital punishment administer, death dealer, hangman

Examples of usage

The executioner prepared the guillotine for the condemned prisoner.
The executioner's job was to administer lethal injections to those on death row.

^{Context #2}

historical context

In medieval times, an executioner was often shunned by society and considered an outcast.

Synonyms

death bringer, headsman, public hangman

Examples of usage

The executioner wore a mask to conceal his identity.
The executioner lived outside the city gates to avoid contact with the townspeople.

Translations

Translations of the word "executioner" in other languages:

🇵🇹 carrasco

🇮🇳 जल्लाद

🇩🇪 Henker

🇮🇩 algojo

🇺🇦 кат

🇵🇱 kat

🇯🇵 死刑執行人 (しけいしっこうにん)

🇫🇷 bourreau

🇪🇸 verdugo

🇹🇷 cellat

🇰🇷 집행자

🇸🇦 جلاد

🇨🇿 kat

🇸🇰 kat

🇨🇳 刽子手 (guìzishǒu)

🇸🇮 rabelj

🇮🇸 böðull

🇰🇿 қасапшы

🇬🇪 ჯალათი

🇦🇿 cəllad

🇲🇽 verdugo

Word origin

The word 'executioner' originated from the Latin word 'executionem', meaning 'punishment'. Throughout history, executioners have played a significant role in carrying out capital punishment on behalf of the state or ruling authority. Their duties ranged from beheadings, hangings, to more modern methods such as lethal injections. Despite the gruesome nature of their work, executioners were often feared and respected figures in society. The role of the executioner has evolved over time, with many countries abolishing the death penalty and the position of executioner altogether.