defenestration

American  

[dee-fen-uh-strey-shuhn] / diˌfɛn əˈstreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of throwing a person or thing out of a window.

   The defenestration of the Catholic commissioners in Prague precipitated the Thirty Years’ War.

2. the act of suddenly removing someone from an important position or office.

   When the new corporate board was voted in, there was a massive defenestration of high-level executives.

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defenestration British  

/ diːˌfɛnɪˈstreɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of throwing someone out of a window

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Etymology

Origin of defenestration

First recorded in 1610–20; de- + Latin fenestr(a) “window” + -ation

Example Sentences

These new defenestrations of the “Lean In” perspective are rejections of the individual work ethic as a core determinant of success.

From The Wall Street Journal

Johnson was little known to the public when he won the speakership after California Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s dramatic defenestration.

From Salon

O’Brien’s defenestration happened in the midst of one of the worst recessions in modern history, one that hit Generation X workers the hardest.

From Salon

For the first time since his defenestration from Fox, his name was once again on the lips of major national and international figures, the kind of buzz on which Mr. Carlson has long thrived.

From New York Times

Still, some of those standing athwart Santos’ defenestration yelling “Stop!” — or at least “Think this through” — make good points.

From Los Angeles Times