lapidation

American  

[lap-i-dey-shuhn] / ˌlæp ɪˈdeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of throwing stones at someone as a form of punishment.

   Any deviation from the norm might be punished by discrimination, torture, lapidation, or death.

2. the act of putting a person or animal to death by pelting them with stones.

   The stained glass near the rear of the church portrays the lapidation of St. Stephen the Martyr.

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Etymology

Origin of lapidation

First recorded in 1610–20; from Latin lapidātiōn-, stem of lapidātiō “a stoning”; see lapidate ( def. ), -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

On the first side St. Stephen receives the Communion from St. Peter, and distributes alms to the poor: on the second are his preaching and justification before the high priest: in the third his lapidation.

From Fra Angelico by Scott, Leader

It is generally sacrificed immediately after the first lapidation, and we had already been guilty of delay.

From Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah — Volume 2 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir

This custom of lapidation, in token of hate, is an ancient practice, still common in the East.

From Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah — Volume 2 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir

On the 11th and 12th of Zu’l Hijjah lapidation is disapproved of from sunset to sunrise.

From Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah — Volume 2 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir

It may well be doubted whether any one had ever been subjected to such overwhelming lapidation as this since the time of the early Christian martyrs.

From Benjamin Franklin; Self-Revealed, Volume II (of 2) A Biographical and Critical Study Based Mainly on his own Writings by Bruce, Wiliam Cabell