Guillotining: meaning, definitions and examples
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guillotining
[ ɡiləˌtiːnɪŋ ]
historical execution
Guillotining refers to the act of executing someone by means of a guillotine, a device used during the French Revolution for beheading individuals. This method was meant to provide a more humane execution compared to other methods. The guillotine became a symbol of the Reign of Terror that occurred during this period in France.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The revolutionary government resorted to guillotining as a means of enforcing their rule.
- Several prominent figures faced guillotining during the tumultuous era of the French Revolution.
- The method of guillotining was considered swift and painless by its proponents.
Translations
Translations of the word "guillotining" in other languages:
🇵🇹 guilhotinagem
🇮🇳 गिलियोटिनिंग
🇩🇪 Guillotinierung
🇮🇩 guillotine
🇺🇦 гільйотинування
🇵🇱 gilotynowanie
🇯🇵 ギロチン処刑
🇫🇷 guillotinage
🇪🇸 guillotina
🇹🇷 giyotinleme
🇰🇷 기요틴 처형
🇸🇦 إعدام بالمقصلة
🇨🇿 gilotinování
🇸🇰 gilotínovanie
🇨🇳 断头台处决
🇸🇮 giljotina
🇮🇸 gíslun
🇰🇿 гильотиналау
🇬🇪 გილიოტინირება
🇦🇿 gilotin
🇲🇽 guillotina
Etymology
The term 'guillotine' originates from the name of Dr. Joseph-Ignace Guillotin, a French physician who advocated for the humane execution of criminals in the late 18th century. He proposed a machine that would ensure a quick and less painful death compared to the previously used methods of execution, which were often brutal and drawn-out. The device became widely adopted during the French Revolution in 1792, where it was employed as a primary means of execution for those deemed enemies of the state. The guillotine was eventually seen not just as a tool of execution but as a symbol of the revolutionary ideals of equality and justice. Its use persisted until the death penalty was abolished in France in 1981, although the guillotine was last used in 1977. Over time, the act of guillotining has been etched into history as a stark reminder of the extremes of political power and societal change.