Pillorying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pillorying
[ˈpɪl.ər.i ]
Definition
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
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term comes from the 'pillory', a device used in the Middle Ages for publicly punishing wrongdoers.
- People were placed in the pillory as a form of humiliation, often exposed to the public for gossip and mockery.
- Originally, pillories were used to deter crime by showcasing the punishment.
Law and Society
- In earlier societies, public shaming was a common legal punishment, and pillorying served as a social commentary on justice.
- The effectiveness of public humiliation as a deterrent has been debated throughout history, with mixed conclusions.
- Modern equivalents can include social media backlash, where individuals face public criticism for their actions.
Pop Culture
- In literature and films, characters facing pillorying often undergo a transformation or redemption arc as they confront their critics.
- Television shows and movies sometimes depict pillorying in satirical formats, highlighting the absurdity of public judgement.
- Social commentary often appears in comedy, where public figures face humorous pillorying for their mistakes.
Psychology
- Public shaming can have lasting effects on an individual's self-esteem and mental health.
- Witnessing others being pilloried can trigger empathy or schadenfreude, showcasing a range of human emotions.
- The psychology of mob mentality can amplify the effects of pillorying, as groups may escalate criticism beyond reason.
Literature
- Authors use pillorying in their works to critique societal norms, showcasing flaws in authority figures.
- Classic works often illustrate the consequences of social ostracism through characters who are pilloried for their beliefs.
- Satirical writing frequently employs pillorying as a tool to highlight hypocrisy in society.
Origin of 'pillorying'
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.