Finesentence logo

Lynchings: meaning, definitions and examples

⚖️
Add to dictionary

lynchings

 

[ ˈlɪn(t)ʃɪŋz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

history

Lynchings refer to extrajudicial killings carried out by a mob, often as a form of vigilante justice. Lynchings were particularly prevalent in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily targeting African Americans. These acts of violence were often racially motivated and aimed at instilling fear and maintaining social control.

Synonyms

extrajudicial executions, mob justice, vigilante killings

Examples of usage

  • Lynchings were used as a means of enforcing racial segregation and subjugation.
  • The history of lynchings in the United States is a dark chapter in the country's past.
Context #2 | Noun

social

In a broader sense, lynchings can also refer to any act of violence or punishment carried out without legal authority or due process. This can include instances of public shaming, cyberbullying, or other forms of collective punishment.

Synonyms

collective punishment, cyberbullying, public humiliation

Examples of usage

  • The online mob engaged in a virtual lynching of the celebrity.
  • The lynchings of individuals on social media platforms can have serious consequences.

Translations

Translations of the word "lynchings" in other languages:

🇵🇹 linchamentos

🇮🇳 भीड़ द्वारा हत्या

🇩🇪 Lynchmorde

🇮🇩 penghakiman massa

🇺🇦 самосуд

🇵🇱 lincze

🇯🇵 私刑

🇫🇷 lynchages

🇪🇸 linchamientos

🇹🇷 linçler

🇰🇷 린치

🇸🇦 الإعدام خارج نطاق القانون

🇨🇿 lynče

🇸🇰 lynčovanie

🇨🇳 私刑

🇸🇮 linči

🇮🇸 lynchingar

🇰🇿 линчтау

🇬🇪 ლინჩის სასამართლო

🇦🇿 linçlər

🇲🇽 linchamientos

Etymology

The term 'lynching' originated in the United States, specifically deriving from the name of Charles Lynch, a Virginia planter and justice of the peace who led extralegal punishments against suspected British loyalists during the American Revolutionary War. Lynchings became more widely associated with racial violence and injustice in the post-Civil War era, with African Americans being the primary targets. The history of lynchings reflects a dark legacy of prejudice, discrimination, and injustice in American society.

See also: lynch, lynching.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,457 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.