lynch

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Contents

English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

First attested 1835, from Lynch law that appeared in 1811. There is a popular claim that it was named after William Lynch, but equally strong arguments would have it named after Charles Lynch.

Pronunciation[edit]

Verb[edit]

lynch (third-person singular simple present lynches, present participle lynching, simple past and past participle lynched)

  1. (pejorative) To execute (somebody) without a proper legal trial or procedure, especially by hanging.
  2. (pejorative) To commit an act of violence by a mob upon the body of another person.

Synonyms[edit]

  • (execute without a proper legal trial): string up

Derived terms[edit]

Related terms[edit]

Translations[edit]