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Lynch: meaning, definitions and examples

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lynch

 

[ lɪn(t)ʃ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

criminal justice

To kill someone, especially by hanging, for an alleged offense with or without a legal trial.

Synonyms

execute, hang, murder

Examples of usage

  • They were accused of lynching an innocent man.
  • The mob decided to lynch the suspect before the trial.
Context #2 | Noun

history

An act of violence and murder, typically by hanging, carried out by a mob against an individual accused of a crime.

Synonyms

execution, hanging, murder

Examples of usage

  • The lynching of African Americans was a dark part of US history.
  • The town was shaken by the recent lynching of a young man.

Translations

Translations of the word "lynch" in other languages:

🇵🇹 linchar

🇮🇳 भीड़ द्वारा मार डालना

🇩🇪 lynchen

🇮🇩 menghakimi massa

🇺🇦 лінчувати

🇵🇱 zlinczować

🇯🇵 リンチする (rinchi suru)

🇫🇷 lyncher

🇪🇸 linchar

🇹🇷 linç etmek

🇰🇷 린치하다 (rinchi-hada)

🇸🇦 إعدام خارج نطاق القانون (i'dam kharij niṭaq al-qanun)

🇨🇿 lynčovat

🇸🇰 lynčovať

🇨🇳 私刑 (sī xíng)

🇸🇮 linčati

🇮🇸 að lincha

🇰🇿 лингтеу

🇬🇪 ლინჩის წესით სიკვდილით დასჯა (linchis tsesit sikvdilit dasja)

🇦🇿 linç etmək

🇲🇽 linchar

Etymology

The term 'lynch' originates from the name of Charles Lynch, a Virginia farmer who held extralegal trials and punishments during the American Revolution. The practice of lynching became more widespread in the United States, particularly in the South, as a means of racial control and intimidation, targeting primarily African Americans. Lynching was used to enforce white supremacy and often involved brutal acts of violence and murder. The legacy of lynching continues to be a painful part of American history, highlighting the systemic racism and injustice that has plagued the country.

See also: lynching, lynchings.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,519, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.