Meaning & Definition of word "Guillotine"
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Guillotine
/ˈɡɪləˌtiːn/
noun:
- 1. A device consisting of a heavy blade that is dropped between two upright posts in order to behead someone, historically used as a method of execution.
- Example: The guillotine became a symbol of the French Revolution as it was used for public executions.
- 2. A machine for cutting paper or other materials, typically with a large blade that is lowered to create a clean cut.
- Example: The printer used a guillotine to neatly trim the edges of the brochures.
verb:
- 1. To execute someone by means of a guillotine.
- Example: The revolutionary government guillotined many of its enemies during the upheaval.
- 2. To cut something with a guillotine cutter.
- Example: She guillotined the stack of papers to make them uniform in size.
Etymology
Named after Joseph-Ignace Guillotin, a French physician who proposed its use.
Common Phrases and Expressions
under the guillotine:
In a situation where someone faces severe consequences or judgment.
guillotine your hopes:
To completely destroy someone's hopes or plans.
Related Words
decapitation:
The act of cutting off the head.
execution:
The carrying out of a death sentence.
Slang Meanings of guillotine
Meaning: The act of decisively ending something or someone.
Example Sentence: They really put the guillotine on that project after the latest review.
Meaning: To execute a plan with precision.
Example Sentence: He guillotined the presentation and left no room for questions.