effigy

American  

[ef-i-jee] / ˈɛf ɪ dʒi /

noun

plural

effigies

1. a representation or image, especially sculptured, as on a monument.

2. a crude representation of someone disliked, used for purposes of ridicule.

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idioms

1. in effigy, in public view in the form of an effigy.

   a leader hanged in effigy by the mob.

effigy British  

/ ɪˈfɪdʒɪəl, ˈɛfɪdʒɪ /

noun

1. a portrait of a person, esp as a monument or architectural decoration

2. a crude representation of someone, used as a focus for contempt or ridicule and often hung up or burnt in public (often in the phrases burn or hang in effigy )

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effigy More Idioms  

1. see in effigy.

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Other Word Forms

• effigial adjective

Etymology

Origin of effigy

1530–40; (< Middle French ) < Latin effigia, equivalent to effig- ( ef- ef- + fig- shape, form; figure ) + -ia -y ³

Example Sentences

But the dunking spawned the legend of the "Curse of the Colonel" that said the Tigers would never win another title until the effigy was recovered.

From Barron's • Dec. 3, 2025

The 11m effigy of Sir Keir will take centre stage on Saturday, alongside a giant Guy Fawkes.

From BBC • Nov. 5, 2025

True to its name, every structure is temporary as many buildings, along with the effigy, are burned to the ground by the end of the festival.

From Salon • Sep. 2, 2025

The golden bruins emblazon the state flag and seal, live on in cartoonish effigy as university mascots, and roll off the tip of our tongue in place names like Grizzly Flats and Big Bear Lake.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2025

“You look like the effigy of a young knight asleep on his tomb,” she said, carefully tracing the well-cut profile defined against the dark stone.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Related Words

• likeness
• statue