Lynching: meaning, definitions and examples
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lynching
[ ˈlɪntʃɪŋ ]
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
Etymology
The term 'lynching' originated in the United States in the late 18th century, specifically during the American Revolution. It is believed to have derived from Charles Lynch, a Virginia planter and justice of the peace who presided over extralegal trials during the Revolution. However, the practice of lynching became most notorious during the Reconstruction era and continued through the Civil Rights Movement. Lynching was often used as a tool of racial terror and oppression against African Americans, leading to countless brutal murders and acts of violence.
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.
- ...
- 21253 intergenerational
- 21254 gingerly
- 21255 geographer
- 21256 lynching
- 21257 broadcaster
- 21258 blunted
- 21259 criminology
- ...