Garotting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ช
garotting
[ษกษหrษtษชล ]
Definition
method of execution
Garotting is a method of execution or assassination that involves strangulation with a wire or cord. Historically, it has been used in various cultures as a form of capital punishment or as a means of silent killing. The victim is typically rendered unconscious before death occurs, which can take a few minutes. This method is often associated with certain criminal organizations and has a notorious reputation for being both stealthy and brutal.
Synonyms
choking, strangulation, suffocation.
Examples of usage
- The garotting of the victim was executed without any noise.
- In historical accounts, garotting was a preferred method of covert assassination.
- The ancient practice of garotting has inspired various forms of fiction.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Background
- Garotting was popular in Spain during the Inquisition, where it was used as a method of execution for heretics.
- In Victorian England, garotters became a term for criminals who used this method to rob their victims.
- The method is often depicted in films and literature to represent cold and stealthy acts of violence.
Pop Culture
- Garotting has been a common trope in spy novels and action movies, often associated with covert assassins.
- In video games, characters often use garrotes as a silent method to eliminate enemies, reinforcing its portrayal as stealthy.
- The act is depicted in many classic films, contributing to the thriller and crime genres' fascination with suspense.
Psychology
- People may be drawn to portrayals of garotting in media due to its embodiment of fear and the human struggle for survival.
- Understanding the motivations behind violent acts like garotting can provide insight into psychological distress and criminal behavior.
- Some research suggests a correlation between exposure to violent media and perceptions of violence in society.
Literature
- Garotting has been used metaphorically in literature to represent betrayal and hidden threats.
- In crime novels, the method serves as a plot device for foreboding, often revealing character traits of both victim and perpetrator.
- Authors often use garotting in descriptions to elicit feelings of tension and suspense from the reader.
Origin of 'garotting'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the French 'garrote,' which means 'to choke or strangle.'
- It originally referred to a specific type of strangulation device used in Spain, often in public executions.
- The term has evolved to refer to any method involving choking or strangulation.
The term 'garotting' originates from the Spanish word 'garrote', which refers to a method of execution involving strangulation. Historically, the garrote was used in Spain as an official form of capital punishment since the 17th century. It typically involved a knotted cord or iron collar that was tightened around the victim's neck until death by strangulation ensued. Over time, this method gained notoriety not only for its efficiency but also for its somewhat quiet nature compared to other forms of execution. As colonial powers expanded, the practice was observed in various forms across Latin America and beyond, often taking on different guises in local cultures. The word 'garotte' began to enter the English language by the late 19th century, reflecting both fascination and horror at this brutal method of killing.