Definition

A hit or strike made with a stick or club, often used as a form of punishment.

Example

The punishment for the crime was a bastinade, which left the offender in pain.

Conversation

Did you hear about that old punishment called bastinade?

Yeah, I learned about it in history class; it sounds pretty harsh.

I can't believe people actually used to do that to offenders.

I know, right? It's crazy how different things were back then.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bastinade → The word originates from the Spanish 'bastinado', which means a beating or punishment with a stick. It is derived from 'bastón' (meaning stick or staff) and the suffix '-ado' (indicating an action or result). The term refers to the act of beating someone with a stick as a form of punishment.

Memory Tip

Imagine a stick ('bastón') being used to deliver a punishment — that's why bastinade means to beat someone with a stick.

Visually Confused Words