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Guillotine: meaning, definitions and examples

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guillotine

 

[ ˈɡɪləˌtiːn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

historical execution

A guillotine is a device used for carrying out executions by decapitation. It consists of a heavy blade that is dropped from a height to swiftly sever the head from the body. Although it was designed as a more humane method of execution, it became infamous during the French Revolution, where it was used to execute thousands of people. The guillotine symbolizes the revolutionary spirit of that period as well as the terrifying extremes of justice. Its legacy is often associated with discussions about capital punishment and human rights.

Synonyms

beheading device, execution machine

Examples of usage

  • Many people were executed by guillotine during the Reign of Terror.
  • The guillotine was used officially in France until 1981.
  • Images of the guillotine remain a powerful symbol of the French Revolution.
  • The guillotine is often depicted in films about the French Revolution.

Translations

Translations of the word "guillotine" in other languages:

🇵🇹 guilhotina

🇮🇳 गिलोटिन

🇩🇪 Guillotine

🇮🇩 guillotine

🇺🇦 гільйотина

🇵🇱 gilotyna

🇯🇵 ギロチン

🇫🇷 guillotine

🇪🇸 guillotina

🇹🇷 giyotin

🇰🇷 기요틴

🇸🇦 المقصلة

🇨🇿 gilotina

🇸🇰 gilotína

🇨🇳 断头台

🇸🇮 giljotina

🇮🇸 gíltína

🇰🇿 гильотина

🇬🇪 გილიოტინა

🇦🇿 gilotin

🇲🇽 guillotina

Word origin

The term 'guillotine' is derived from the name of Dr. Joseph-Ignace Guillotin, a French physician who proposed its use in 1789 as a more humane means of execution than the methods previously employed. The device was designed by Antoine Louis, a surgeon, and was first used publically in 1792 during the French Revolution. Initially, it was called 'Louisette' after Louis, but it was soon named after Guillotin, who ironically was not directly involved in its invention and was actually opposed to capital punishment. The guillotine quickly became a symbol of the radical and violent changes of the Revolution, leading to the deaths of many political figures, including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Despite its historical significance, the guillotine was officially abolished in France in 1981, but it remains a potent symbol of justice and the extremes of state power.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,297, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.