Definition

A person who takes the law into their own hands and kills someone, usually by hanging, without a legal trial.

Example

The mob acted as a lyncher, taking justice into their own hands.

Conversation

Did you hear about that incident in the news?

Yeah, it was really disturbing to think there are still people like that around.

I can't believe someone would act as a lyncher in this day and age.

It's shocking, and it just shows how much work we still have to do for equality.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lyncher → The word 'lyncher' originates from the name 'Lynch', which is believed to come from Charles Lynch, an American who was known for taking the law into his own hands during the American Revolutionary War. The suffix '-er' indicates a person who performs an action. Thus, a 'lyncher' is a person who takes the law into their own hands, typically by executing someone without legal trial.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who takes the law into their own hands, like Charles Lynch did, and remember that a 'lyncher' is a person who acts outside the law.

Visually Confused Words