Guillotining: meaning, definitions and examples

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guillotining

 

[ɡiləˌtiːnɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

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

beheading, execution.

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.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The guillotine was invented in France in the 18th century as a more humane way of executing prisoners.
  • It became widely known during the French Revolution, when many people were executed in public.
  • It was named after Dr. Joseph-Ignace Guillotin, who proposed its use to make executions less painful.

Cultural Impact

  • The symbolism of the guillotine represents the extreme measures taken during political upheavals, reflecting the ideas of justice and revenge.
  • Films and literature often depict the guillotine as a sign of terror, especially in stories about revolutions and betrayals.
  • Its image still evokes strong reactions, often symbolizing fear, death, or the struggle against tyranny.

Psychological Aspects

  • The fear associated with the guillotine can be linked to a broader fear of death and the unknown.
  • It serves as a historical example of how societies deal with crime and punishment, showcasing varying attitudes towards justice.
  • Studies on capital punishment often mention the guillotine as a representation of the moral dilemmas involved in state-sanctioned executions.

Literature

  • The guillotine frequently appears in historical novels, illustrating the grim realities of revolutionary France.
  • Writers like Charles Dickens reference it in works to convey themes of justice, social inequality, and human rights.
  • Poets and playwrights have used the guillotine as a metaphor for drastic change or the end of an era.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,510, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.