bastinado
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //bæstəˈnɑːdoʊ//
KK: /bæs.tɪˈnɑː.doʊ/
noun
Definition
A type of punishment where someone is beaten on the soles of their feet with a stick or cudgel.
Example
The prisoner was subjected to bastinado as a form of punishment.
Conversation
I just read about this old punishment called bastinado.
Really? What does it involve?
It's basically beating the soles of the feet with a stick.
That sounds brutal! I can't believe that was a common punishment.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
cudgel
blow
beating
Antonyms
caress
comfort
soothe
transitive verb
Definition
To punish someone by beating the soles of their feet.
Example
The soldier was bastinadoed as a form of punishment for his disobedience.
Tense Forms
Past: bastinadoed
Past Participle: bastinadoed
Conversation
Did you hear about that old punishment where they would bastinado someone?
Yeah, it sounds brutal and inhumane.
I can't believe people actually did that to others.
Root Explanation
Bastinado → It is derived from the Spanish word 'bastinado', which comes from 'bastón' (meaning stick or staff) and the suffix '-ado' (indicating an action or result). The term refers to the act of beating with a stick, particularly on the soles of the feet.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'stick' ('bastón') used for beating, which helps you remember that 'bastinado' means to beat, especially on the feet.
Visually Confused Words
unbastinadoed
batino