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Pilloried: meaning, definitions and examples

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pilloried

 

[ ˈpɪlərid ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

public criticism

To pillory someone means to criticize them openly and publicly, often in a scornful way. This term originated from the use of a physical pillory, a device used in historical punishment where a person was locked in and exposed to public ridicule.

Synonyms

denounce, mock, ridicule, scorn.

Examples of usage

  • The politician was pilloried for his controversial remarks.
  • After the scandal, the celebrity found herself pilloried by the media.
  • Teachers often pilloried students who underperformed in exams.

Translations

Translations of the word "pilloried" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pilar

🇮🇳 खुले में शर्मिंदा करना

🇩🇪 prangerstellen

🇮🇩 dijadikan objek ejekan

🇺🇦 поставити на стовп ганьби

🇵🇱 wystawić na pośmiewisko

🇯🇵 晒し者にする

🇫🇷 exposer au ridicule

🇪🇸 exponer al escarnio

🇹🇷 alenen küçümsemek

🇰🇷 공공연히 조롱하다

🇸🇦 عرضه للسخرية

🇨🇿 vystavit na posměch

🇸🇰 vystaviť na posmech

🇨🇳 公开嘲笑

🇸🇮 izpostaviti posmehu

🇮🇸 gera að háði

🇰🇿 қоғамдық ridicule ету

🇬🇪 საზოგადოებრივ ridicule

🇦🇿 açıq istehza etmək

🇲🇽 exponer al escarnio

Etymology

The word 'pillory' originates from the Middle English term 'pilerie,' which itself comes from the Old French 'pilori,' ultimately derived from the Latin 'pila,' meaning 'pillar.' Historically, the pillory was a wooden framework with holes in which an offender's head and hands were locked, exposing them to public humiliation and ridicule. The usage of the term evolved over time, extending from the physical punishment to describe the act of publicly criticizing someone harshly. The connection to public disgrace makes it a powerful term in contemporary usage, particularly in discussions around social media and public figures.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,017 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.