guillotine
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈɡɪlətiːn/
KK: /ˈɡɪləˌtin/
noun
Definition
A device used for beheading, which has a heavy blade that falls down between two vertical guides.
Example
During the French Revolution, the guillotine was used as a method of execution.
Conversation
Did you ever read about the history of the guillotine?
Yeah, it's pretty fascinating how it was used during the French Revolution.
I know, right? It seems so brutal and yet it was seen as a method of justice back then.
Exactly! It's a stark reminder of how attitudes towards punishment have changed.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
cutter
blade
device
Antonyms
saver
protector
defender
transitive verb
Definition
To behead someone using a device that drops a heavy blade to cut off the head quickly and cleanly.
Example
During the French Revolution, many were guillotined as a form of execution.
Tense Forms
Past: guillotined
Past Participle: guillotined
Conversation
Did you hear about that historical movie where they guillotine the king?
Yeah, I saw that! It was pretty intense.
I can’t believe how brutal that was, especially when they showed how they guillotine the prisoners.
Root Explanation
Guillotine → The word originates from French, named after Dr. Joseph-Ignace Guillotin, who proposed its use as a humane method of execution during the French Revolution. The term refers to the device itself, which was designed to be a swift and efficient means of decapitation.
Memory Tip
Think of Dr. Guillotin, who wanted a more humane way to execute, and remember that a guillotine is the device he is known for.
Visually Confused Words
unguillotined