lynch
verb/lɪnt͡ʃ/
Etymology First attested 1835, from Lynch law, which appeared in 1811. There is a popular claim that it was named after William Lynch, but equally strong arguments would have it named after Charles Lynch. For the surname, see Lynch. Ultimately a possible doublet of linch.
1
To execute (somebody) without a proper legal trial or procedure, especially by hanging and backed by a mob.
- Public anger erupted. Soldiers were lynched in the streets including young recruits proven to have been deceived by their generals about the true intentions of the attack.2018, “Europe's Flashpoints” (2:12 from the start), in Close Up — The Current Affairs Documentary, episode 2, (narration regarding the 2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt) (actor), via Deutsche Welle TV, av-44888523, archived from the original on 31 Jul 2018:
2
Broadly, Colloquial To castigate severely.
- I telephoned Bill Brandon in Oxford and begged him to get the new refrigeration unit into production before I got lynched.2024, Louis Hagen, Suddenly an Englishman:
- Synonyms
- string up
- Related terms
- kangaroo court, show trial