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Lynching: meaning, definitions and examples

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lynching

 

[ˈlɪntʃɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

racial violence

Lynching is the act of killing someone, especially by hanging, for an alleged offense with or without a legal trial, typically associated with racial violence in the United States.

Synonyms

execution, hanging, murder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lynching

This term is used to describe a killing carried out by a mob, often without legal authority or a fair trial. It usually has strong historical and racial connotations, particularly in relation to extrajudicial killings in the United States.

  • The documentary examines the history of lynching in the American South.
  • He was nearly a victim of lynching by an angry mob.
hanging

This term specifies the method of execution or killing where a person is suspended by the neck. It can refer to state-sanctioned executions or extrajudicial killings.

  • Hanging was a common method of execution in the 19th century.
  • The victim was found dead, hanging from a tree.
execution

This is used in a legal context to describe the act of putting someone to death after being convicted of a serious crime, following legal procedures.

  • The prisoner was executed after being found guilty of murder.
  • Public executions were common in medieval times.
murder

This is a general term used to describe the unlawful killing of a person with intent. It has a broad application and carries a strongly negative connotation.

  • He was arrested for the murder of his neighbor.
  • The detective is investigating a series of murders in the city.

Examples of usage

  • Lynching was a common practice in the Southern states during the Jim Crow era.
  • The lynching of African Americans was used as a tool of intimidation and control.
Context #2 | Verb

vigilante justice

To lynch means to kill someone, especially by hanging, without legal authority or due process, often as an act of vigilante justice.

Synonyms

execute, hang, murder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lynching

Used to describe an act of killing someone without a legal trial, typically by a mob, and often associated with racial violence.

  • The town was shocked by the recent lynching of the young man.
  • Lynching has a long and tragic history in many parts of the world.
execute

Used in a legal or official context to describe the act of putting someone to death as a penalty for a crime. Can also refer to carrying out a plan, order, or task.

  • The state decided to execute the prisoner after a lengthy trial.
  • The general will execute the plan at dawn.
hang

Used to describe the act of killing someone by suspending them by the neck with a rope, often as a form of execution. Can also refer to suspending objects.

  • In the past, criminals were often hanged for their crimes.
  • She decided to hang the picture on the wall.
murder

Used to define the unlawful killing of someone with malicious intent. It carries a strong negative connotation and is used in both everyday and legal language.

  • The detective was assigned to investigate the murder.
  • He was arrested and charged with murder.

Examples of usage

  • The mob decided to lynch the accused without waiting for a trial.
  • They lynched the suspect before he could be arrested by the police.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'lynching' is believed to have originated in the 1830s from Captain Charles Lynch, who punished suspected criminals without a court.
  • Lynching was prominently associated with racial violence in the United States, particularly against African Americans during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • The practice spread beyond the U.S. and has occurred in various countries, illustrating widespread societal issues.

Cultural Impact

  • Lynching has been depicted in numerous cultural works, including literature and film, often serving as a backdrop for discussions on race and justice.
  • The photographs of lynchings were sometimes taken as a form of gruesome entertainment, leading to a deep cultural scar and historical reflection.
  • Many civil rights activists, such as Ida B. Wells, worked tirelessly to document and combat the issue, using journalism to raise awareness.

Legal Perspective

  • Lynching is often viewed as a legal extrajudicial punishment, circumventing the judicial process entirely, which raises significant human rights concerns.
  • Despite the criminal acts being condemned, they often went unpunished, showing a systemic failure to protect vulnerable communities.
  • In response to the deadly acts, various laws have been introduced throughout history to address mob violence and civil rights, but historical atrocities continue to resonate.

Psychological Impact

  • The fear of lynching created an atmosphere of terror within marginalized communities, impacting their mental health and sense of safety.
  • Survivors and descendants of those targeted often experience generational trauma, affecting community dynamics and mental health for years.
  • The public nature of lynchings served to reinforce social hierarchies and power imbalances, psychologically impacting both victims and bystanders.

Modern Day Relevance

  • The legacy of lynching continues to inform modern discussions about racial inequality and social justice movements in the U.S. and beyond.
  • Many organizations actively work to memorialize the victims and educate others about the history and ramifications of lynching.
  • Recent initiatives, like the Equal Justice Initiative, aim to confront the historical truths and acknowledge the lingering effects on current society.

Translations

Translations of the word "lynching" in other languages:

🇵🇹 linchamento

🇮🇳 भीड़ का न्याय

🇩🇪 Lynchmord

🇮🇩 penghakiman massa

🇺🇦 самосуд

🇵🇱 samosąd

🇯🇵 リンチ

🇫🇷 lynchage

🇪🇸 linchamiento

🇹🇷 linç

🇰🇷 린치

🇸🇦 إعدام دون محاكمة

🇨🇿 lynčování

🇸🇰 lynčovanie

🇨🇳 私刑

🇸🇮 linč

🇮🇸 lynching

🇰🇿 линг

🇬🇪 ლინჩი

🇦🇿 linç

🇲🇽 linchamiento

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,256, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.