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pillory — a wooden framework with holes for the head and hands, in which offenders were formerly imprisoned and exposed to public abuse

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a wooden framework with holes for the head and hands, in which offenders were formerly imprisoned and exposed to public abuse

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpɪləri/

Example Sentences

  • The corrupt CEO was pilloried on social media faster than he could delete his Instagram account.
  • Critics pilloried the movie so harshly that even the popcorn felt embarrassed.
  • The author was pilloried for her controversial statements about modern education.

pillory

NOUN

[/ˈpɪləri/]

a wooden framework with holes for the head and hands, in which offenders were formerly imprisoned and exposed to public abuse

a person is trapped with their head and hands locked through holes in a tall wooden framework. They look ashamed and uncomfortable as they cannot move or escape from the restraining device. Angry townspeople surrounding the structure throw rotten vegetables and point accusingly at the trapped offender. The crowd's faces show disgust and judgment as they publicly shame the imprisoned person. Guards stand nearby watching the punishment unfold in the busy square. a wooden framework with holes for the head and hands where offenders were imprisoned and exposed to public abuse
💡 Concept

a person is trapped with their head and hands locked through holes in a tall wooden framework. They look ashamed and uncomfortable as they cannot move or escape from the restraining device. Angry townspeople surrounding the structure throw rotten vegetables and point accusingly at the trapped offender. The crowd's faces show disgust and judgment as they publicly shame the imprisoned person. Guards stand nearby watching the punishment unfold in the busy square. a wooden framework with holes for the head and hands where offenders were imprisoned and exposed to public abuse

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈpɪləri/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈpɪləri/

🌳Etymology

Origin

From Old French 'pilori', which came from Medieval Latin 'pilloria'. It referred to a wooden framework with holes for the head and hands, used to publicly shame and punish criminals in medieval times.

Breakdown

pillory (complete word from Latin pilloria, meaning a public punishment device for displaying criminals)

🎵Rhyme

Hillaryartillerydistillery
Hillary
artillery
distillery

🔗Collocations

put in the pillory
pillory someone publicly
medieval pillory
pillory in the press
escape the pillory
public pillory
pillory mercilessly

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The corrupt CEO was pilloried on social media faster than he could delete his Instagram account.”

😄 Fun example

“Critics pilloried the movie so harshly that even the popcorn felt embarrassed.”

“The author was pilloried for her controversial statements about modern education.”

“In the 16th century, criminals were often placed in the pillory as public punishment.”

📚Related Words

Synonyms

condemndenouncecastigatelambasteexcoriate

Antonyms

praisecommendapplaud

Related

stocksgibbetscaffoldcriticizehumiliate

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