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Exhume Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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exhume

[ɪɡˈzjuːm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

grave digging

To exhume means to dig up a body that has been buried, especially in order to find out the cause of death or to move it to a different location.

Synonyms

dig up, disinter, unearth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exhume

Typically used in a formal or legal context when referring to the removal of a body from its burial place, often for investigation or examination.

  • The police had to exhume the body to gather more evidence.
  • The historical society sought permission to exhume the ancient remains.
dig up

More informal and general term, can be used for uncovering anything buried, not just bodies. It can also be used metaphorically for discovering information.

  • We need to dig up the backyard to find the broken pipe.
  • The journalist managed to dig up some interesting details about the politician's past.
unearth

Used in a broader sense, both literally and figuratively. It can mean discovering something naturally buried or hidden, including artifacts, secrets, or facts.

  • They unearthed a thousand-year-old pottery during the excavation.
  • The reporter unearthed new evidence in the case.
disinter

A formal term similar to 'exhume', often used in legal, medical, or forensic contexts. It specifically refers to the act of removing a body from its grave.

  • The court ordered to disinter the grave for a new autopsy.
  • Archaeologists disinterred the remains of the ancient warrior.

Examples of usage

  • The authorities decided to exhume the body for further investigation.
  • After many years, the family decided to exhume the remains and move them to a different cemetery.
  • Exhuming bodies is a delicate and respectful process.
  • The archaeologists will exhume the ancient burial site to learn more about the civilization.
  • It is not common practice to exhume bodies unless necessary.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • Exhumation can occur for various reasons including legal investigations, historical research, or in the case of identifying remains.
  • In some jurisdictions, family members must give consent before a body can be exhumed.
  • Court orders are often required to ensure that exhumations are conducted legally and ethically.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, exhumation can be a controversial act, sometimes seen as disrespectful to the deceased.
  • Some places conduct exhumations as part of rituals to ensure good fortune or to unsettle spirits.
  • Famous examples include the exhumation of historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte for the study of their lives and deaths.

Scientific Use

  • Scientists may exhume remains to study disease patterns or understand historical health issues.
  • Forensic anthropology often involves exhuming bodies to gather evidence for criminal cases.
  • By examining skeletal remains, researchers can learn about past human behavior and migrations.

Literature and Media

  • Exhumation is a recurring theme in mystery novels and films, often linked to uncovering hidden truths.
  • Some authors use exhumation as a metaphor for revealing buried secrets within families or societies.
  • Films like ‘The Bone Collector’ include scenes where exhumation plays a crucial role in solving a crime.

Origin of 'exhume'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'exhumare', where 'ex-' means 'out' and 'humare' means 'to ground' or 'to bury'.
  • It originally referred to the act of removing a body from the ground for legal or medical reasons.
  • Its usage in English dates back to the early 17th century.

The word 'exhume' comes from the Latin word 'exhumare', which means 'to dig out'. It has been used in English since the late 15th century. The practice of exhumation has been a common part of forensic investigations and archaeological research throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,343, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.