Pillorying: meaning, definitions and examples
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pillorying
[ ˈpɪl.ər.i ]
public humiliation
To pillory someone means to publicly criticize or ridicule them, often in a severe manner. The term originates from a device used in the past for punishment, where offenders were placed in a wooden framework with holes for their heads and hands, exposing them to public scorn. By equating public ridicule to the experience of being placed in a pillory, the action evokes a grim image of shame. In modern usage, pillorying can occur through media, social platforms, or public discourse, where individuals or groups are subjected to intense scrutiny and disdain. It serves as a warning against displaying behavior deemed unacceptable in society.
Synonyms
lampoon, mock, ridicule, scorn, shame.
Examples of usage
- The politician faced pillorying after the scandal broke.
- On social media, celebrities are often subjected to pillorying.
- The journalist's article was seen as a pillorying of the company's ethics.
- He was pilloried by his peers for his controversial statement.
Translations
Translations of the word "pillorying" in other languages:
🇵🇹 exposição ao ridículo
🇮🇳 अपमानित करना
🇩🇪 anprangern
🇮🇩 mempermalukan
🇺🇦 публічне осоромлення
🇵🇱 narażenie na szyderstwo
🇯🇵 さらし者にする
🇫🇷 exposer au ridicule
🇪🇸 exponer al ridículo
🇹🇷 alenen rezil etme
🇰🇷 공개적으로 조롱하다
🇸🇦 تعريض للسخرية
🇨🇿 vystavení posměchu
🇸🇰 vystavenie posmechu
🇨🇳 公开嘲笑
🇸🇮 izpostaviti posmehu
🇮🇸 gerast í háði
🇰🇿 мазақ ету
🇬🇪 განკითხვა
🇦🇿 təhqir etmək
🇲🇽 exponer al ridículo
Etymology
The word 'pillory' originates from the Middle English term 'pilory,' which itself comes from the Old French 'piliier.' This French term is derived from the Latin 'pila', meaning 'pillar' or 'column'. In medieval times, a pillory was a device designed to hold an offender's head and hands, making them vulnerable to public humiliation or punishment. The concept of pilloried punishment dates back centuries, symbolizing the intersection of law, society, and public shaming. Over time, the use of the term evolved, moving away from its physical form to describe the broader notion of public disgrace or denunciation. Today, the act of pillorying someone reflects the capacities of modern communication, wherein individuals can be swiftly and widely criticized within the sphere of public opinion.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,361, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.