lynch
- to put to death, especially by hanging, by mob action and without legal authority.
Origin of lynch
Synonym study
Examples from the Web for lyncher
Historical Examples
They say the lyncher knows that he is wrong and has been told so often enough.
The Soul of John BrownStephen Graham
"This isn't Arizona or any other lyncher's country," said Halliday, the lawyer, making his way to the front.
The World For Sale, CompleteGilbert Parker
lynch
- (tr) (of a mob) to punish (a person) for some supposed offence by hanging without a trial
Word Origin
Lynch
- David. born 1946, US film director; his work includes the films Eraserhead (1977), Blue Velvet (1986), Wild at Heart (1990), Mulholland Drive (2001), and Inland Empire (2006), and the television series Twin Peaks (1990)
- John, known as Jack Lynch. 1917–99, Irish statesman; prime minister of the Republic of Ireland (1966–73; 1977–79)
Word Origin and History for lyncher
lynch
v.
1835, from earlier Lynch law (1811), likely named after William Lynch (1742-1820) of Pittsylvania, Virginia, who c.1780 led a vigilance committee to keep order there during the Revolution. Other sources trace the name to Charles Lynch (1736-1796) a Virginia magistrate who fined and imprisoned Tories in his district c.1782, but the connection to him is less likely. Originally any sort of summary justice, especially by flogging; narrowing of focus to "extralegal execution by hanging" is 20c. Lynch mob is attested from 1838. The surname is perhaps from Irish Loingseach "sailor." Cf. earlier Lydford law, from a place in Dartmoor, England, "where was held a Stannaries Court of summary jurisdiction" [Weekley], hence:
Lydford law: is to hang men first, and indite them afterwards. [Thomas Blount, "Glossographia," 1656]
Related: Lynched; lynching.