Lynch: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is often used to describe an illegal execution carried out by a mob, often without a legal trial. It has a strong negative connotation and is associated with violent, extrajudicial killings.

• The angry crowd decided to lynch the accused without waiting for a fair trial.
• Historical accounts often recount the lynching of people during times of social unrest.

Specifically refers to the act of killing someone by suspending them by the neck from a noose. It can be used in legal contexts or historical references.

• The criminal was sentenced to hang until pronounced dead.
• In the old days, many were hanged for crimes such as theft and treason.

This term is generally used in a formal context to describe the carrying out of a death sentence by the authorities after a legal process or court ruling.

• The court sentenced the convict to be executed by lethal injection.
• After years on death row, the prisoner was finally executed last night.

Describes the unlawful killing of another person with premeditation and intent. This term carries a strong negative connotation and is often used in both legal and interpersonal contexts.

• He was arrested and charged with the murder of his neighbor.
• Murder is considered one of the most severe crimes in any legal system.

Used when referring to a group of people taking the law into their own hands to punish someone, usually without a legal trial. It often has a negative connotation due to its association with racial violence in history.

• The townspeople decided to lynch the suspected thief, ignoring the law.
• She feared being lynched by the angry mob.

Used to refer specifically to the method of causing death by suspending someone by the neck with a rope. It can be used in historical or legal contexts.

• Hanging was a common form of capital punishment in the past.
• The public execution by hanging drew a large crowd.

Used when referring to the formal, legal process of putting someone to death as a punishment for a crime, typically after a trial and a legal sentence.

• The court ordered the execution of the convicted murderer.
• His execution was scheduled for next month.

Used for the unlawful and intentional killing of another person. It has a strong negative connotation as it implies malice and illegality.

• He was arrested and charged with murder.
• The detective was investigating a brutal murder.