defenestrate

[ dee-fen-uh-streyt ]

/ diˈfɛn əˌstreɪt /

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verb (used with object), de·fen·es·trat·ed, de·fen·es·trat·ing.

to throw (a person or thing) out of a window: A Portuguese bishop, accused of conspiring with the leaders of Castile, was defenestrated from the north tower of Lisbon's cathedral in 1383.

to suddenly remove (a person) from an important position or office: The chief executive was defenestrated after a corruption investigation.

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of defenestrate

First recorded in 1900–05; back formation from defenestration

Words nearby defenestrate

defend, defendant, defender, defender of the bond, Defender of the Faith, defenestrate, defenestration, defense, defenseman, defense mechanism, defensible