noun

defenestration

dih-fen-ih-STRAY-shun

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Defenestration (noun) means the act of throwing someone or something out of a window. Example: “The defenestration of the royal officials in Prague is a famous event.”

noun

The act of throwing someone or something out of a window.

"The defenestration of the royal officials in Prague is a famous event."

"Police were called after the defenestration of a chair from the second floor."

"The film ends with the villain's defenestration."

British In British use, the high-profile removal of a person from a position in an organisation.

"The chairman's defenestration came after months of poor results."

"Newspapers reported the sudden defenestration of the party's leader."

"Few expected the defenestration of the manager so soon."

How to use defenestration

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThrowing someone or something out of a window, or, figuratively, forcing someone out of a job.

When to use it

The literal sense is formal or historical, and the figurative sense is often used in journalism.

Memory tip

The Latin root fenestra means window, which helps you remember the meaning.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

defenestration of Prague act of defenestration sudden defenestration the defenestration of a leader

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “defenestration” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ of the royal officials in Prague is a famous event.

Etymology

The word comes from New Latin defenestratio, built from Latin elements meaning out, window and a suffix for an action. The verb defenestrate was formed later.

Origin: New Latin

Synonyms

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ousting

Related words

overthrow ousting ouster

Rhymes for defenestration

region cation ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion

See all rhymes for defenestration →

Frequently asked questions

What does defenestration mean?

It means the act of throwing something or someone out of a window. In British use it can also mean the high-profile removal of a person from an organisation.

What were the Defenestrations of Prague?

They were historical acts of political dissent in which people were thrown out of windows.

Where does the word defenestration come from?

It comes from New Latin defenestratio, from Latin words meaning out and window.

What is the meaning of defenestration?

"defenestration" (noun) means the act of throwing someone or something out of a window.

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