lynch
UK[lɪntʃ]US[lɪntʃ]
v
to put to death (as by hanging) by mob action without legal sanction.
v
(informal) to severely criticize or punish someone, especially without a fair trial or hearing.
Etymology
the term 'lynch' originates from the name of charles lynch, a virginia planter and justice of the peace who, in the late 18th century, led irregular tribunals to punish loyalists during the american revolutionary war. the verb 'lynch law', meaning punishment without a formal trial, was coined in his name, later shortened to 'lynch'. while other figures with the surname lynch have been proposed as possible origins, the historical consensus strongly favors charles lynch. the word's meaning has evolved from denoting extra-legal punishment by flogging or property seizure to its grimly specific modern association with mob-executed murder, particularly by hanging.
Analysis
the word 'lynch' is a simplex word. it does not break down into meaningful morphemes based on its current english spelling.
Examples
the mob threatened to lynch the accused man before he could stand trial.
in the court of public opinion, the celebrity was virtually lynched for her controversial remarks.
the dark chapter of american history includes many instances where black men were lynched with impunity.