noun

lynching

LIHNT-shihng

Lynching (noun) means the killing of a person by a mob, without any legal trial, historically often by hanging. Example: “The museum's exhibit documented the history of lynching in the American South.”

noun

The killing of a person by a mob, without any legal trial, historically often by hanging.

"The museum's exhibit documented the history of lynching in the American South."

How to use lynching

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn act of mob violence resulting in someone's death outside of any legal process.

When to use it

A serious historical and legal term tied to a specific, brutal history of racial violence.

Word forms

lynchings plural

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The museum's exhibit documented the history of _____ in the American South.

Etymology

From "lynch" plus the suffix "-ing".

Frequently asked questions

What does “lynching” mean?

The word “lynching” means the killing of a person by a mob, without any legal trial, historically often by hanging. In plain terms, an act of mob violence resulting in someone's death outside of any legal process.

How do you pronounce “lynching”?

“Lynching” is pronounced LIHNT-shihng (/ˈlɪnt͡ʃɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “lynching” in a sentence?

Here is “lynching” used in a sentence: “The museum's exhibit documented the history of lynching in the American South.”

What part of speech is “lynching”?

“Lynching” is a noun.