Library / English Dictionary

GUILLOTINE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Instrument of execution that consists of a weighted blade between two vertical poles; used for beheading people

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("guillotine" is a kind of...):

instrument of execution (an instrument designed and used to take the life of a condemned person)

Derivation:

guillotine (kill by cutting the head off with a guillotine)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Closure imposed on the debate of specific sections of a bill

Synonyms:

closure by compartment; guillotine

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("guillotine" is a kind of...):

closure; cloture; gag law; gag rule (a rule for limiting or ending debate in a deliberative body)

 II. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Kill by cutting the head off with a guillotine

Example:

The French guillotined many Vietnamese while they occupied the country

Classified under:

Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging

Hypernyms (to "guillotine" is one way to...):

behead; decapitate; decollate (cut the head of)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s somebody

Sentence example:

They want to guillotine the prisoners

Derivation:

guillotine (instrument of execution that consists of a weighted blade between two vertical poles; used for beheading people)

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