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Lynch Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lynch

[lɪn(t)ʃ ]

Definitions

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lynch

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.
hang

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 It can be used in legal contexts or historical references.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.
execute

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.
murder

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.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lynch

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.
hanging

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.
execution

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.
murder

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.

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term is believed to come from Charles Lynch, an 18th-century American who punished supposed criminals without a trial.
  • During the American Civil War, the practice became widespread as communities took law into their own hands.
  • Lynchings became particularly common in the U.S. during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often targeting African Americans.

Social Impact

  • Lynching is often associated with racial violence, leading to significant social and political movements advocating for civil rights.
  • The Equal Justice Initiative has documented thousands of lynchings in America, underscoring its deep historical scars.
  • Today, lynching is considered a hate crime, reflecting ongoing issues of racial inequality and justice in society.

Literature & Media

  • Books like 'The Things They Carried' explore themes of mob justice and its consequences, illustrating the emotional toll of such violence.
  • Films like 'The Help' examine the historical context of lynching and its impact on African American families and communities.
  • Poetry, including pieces by Langston Hughes, often reflects the terror and injustice surrounding lynching in America.

Psychology

  • Mob mentality can lead individuals to commit acts of violence they might never consider on their own, illustrating group dynamics.
  • The fear of being ostracized can drive communities to participate in lynching despite moral objections to such acts.
  • Research shows that people dehumanize victims in lynching scenarios, which allows them to justify their actions.

Legal Context

  • While lynching is illegal in the U.S., many historical cases remain unpunished, leading to calls for justice and accountability.
  • The Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act was introduced to make lynching a federal hate crime, marking a significant step towards legal acknowledgment of these acts.
  • Public memorials and education efforts aim to confront the legacy of lynching and promote healing in communities affected by this violence.

Origin of 'lynch'

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.