Guillotine

/ˈɡɪləˌtiːn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

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.

The guillotine became a symbol of the French Revolution as it was used for public executions.

A machine for cutting paper or other materials, typically with a large blade that is lowered to create a clean cut.

The printer used a guillotine to neatly trim the edges of the brochures.

verb

To execute someone by means of a guillotine.

The revolutionary government guillotined many of its enemies during the upheaval.

To cut something with a guillotine cutter.

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

The act of decisively ending something or someone.

They really put the guillotine on that project after the latest review.

To execute a plan with precision.

He guillotined the presentation and left no room for questions.