knout
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /naʊt/
KK: /naʊt/
noun
Definition
A type of whip made from leather that is used for punishment or beating.
Example
The prisoner was punished with a knout for his misdeeds.
Conversation
Have you ever heard of a knout?
Yeah, it's that whip used for flogging, right?
Exactly! It has a pretty harsh history behind it.
I can't believe something like a knout was used as punishment.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
whip
lash
scourge
Antonyms
hug
embrace
comfort
transitive verb
Definition
To whip or beat someone with a type of whip called a knout, often used as a form of punishment.
Example
The prisoner was knouted as a punishment for his crimes.
Tense Forms
Past: knouted
Past Participle: knouted
Conversation
Have you ever read about how they used to knout criminals in the past?
Yeah, it sounds really brutal and inhumane.
I can't believe that was once acceptable behavior.
Root Explanation
The word 'knout' originates from the Russian word 'кнут' (knut), meaning a whip or scourge. It specifically refers to a type of whip used for punishment, particularly in the context of corporal punishment in Russia.
Memory Tip
Imagine a whip used for punishment, as 'knout' comes from the Russian word for whip. This helps you remember that 'knout' refers to a tool for inflicting pain.
Visually Confused Words
knut
knot
snout
skout
knute