Meaning & Definition of word "Travesty"

Travesty

/ˈtræv.ə.sti/

noun:

  • 1. A false, absurd, or distorted representation of something.
    • Example: The play was a travesty of Shakespeare's original work.
  • 2. A violent or exaggerated imitation.
    • Example: His attempt to impersonate the singer was a complete travesty.
  • 3. A degraded or absurd version of something.
    • Example: The movie was a travesty of the classic novel it was based on.

verb:

  • 1. To represent something in a false or distorted way.
    • Example: The media travestied the facts in their reporting.

Etymology

From French 'travesti', meaning 'disguised' or ' disguised form of something'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

travesty of justice:

A situation where justice is grossly unfair or distorted.

make a travesty of:

To distort or reduce something valuable to an absurd or ridiculous form.

Related Words

farce:

A comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay.

parody:

An imitation of a particular writer, artist, or genre, exaggerating it deliberately to produce a comic effect.

Slang Meanings of travesty

Meaning: A situation that is laughably absurd or ridiculous.

Example Sentence: The whole election process felt like a travesty.

Meaning: A botched or poorly executed attempt at something.

Example Sentence: His presentation was a travesty of good public speaking.