EFFIGY Meaning and
Definition
-
Effigy is a noun that refers to a crude representation or likeness of someone, usually made out of a material such as clay, wax, or cloth. It is typically created to resemble a specific person, often to make a political or social statement. Sharing similarities with a statue or sculpture, an effigy can be a three-dimensional figure or a two-dimensional representation, such as a painting or a drawing.
The purpose behind creating an effigy is multifaceted. It is commonly used to express contempt, ridicule, or protest against a person or their beliefs. Effigies can be seen in various contexts, including political rallies, demonstrations, or public displays. By publicly displaying an effigy, individuals or groups aim to symbolize their opposition or criticism of the person or their ideas, often seeking to provoke a reaction or spark a discussion.
Historically, effigies have been used as part of rituals or ceremonies, displaying the likeness of a deity or religious figure. In some traditions, effigies are burned or destroyed to symbolize renewal, purification, or the removal of negative energy.
Overall, an effigy serves as a visual representation of a person, either as an homage or as a tool to express disapproval. It allows individuals and groups to convey their message, sentiments, or beliefs in a tangible form that can be easily recognized and understood by others.
-
The image or likeness of a person, whether a full figure or in part; a portrait.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for EFFIGY
Etymology of EFFIGY
The word "effigy" entered English in the late 15th century from the Old French term "effigie". However, the French word itself can be traced back to the Latin term "effigiēs", meaning likeness or image. This Latin term, in turn, derived from the verb "effingere", which means "to portray" or "to shape".
Idioms with the word EFFIGY
-
burn in effigy
The idiom "burn in effigy" refers to the act of publicly burning a representation or image of someone, usually made of straw or some other material, in order to express extreme contempt, anger, or protest towards that person. It is a symbolic act meant to display strong disapproval or condemnation of the individual being depicted.
-
hang sm in effigy
The idiom "hang someone in effigy" means to publicly display or represent someone, typically in the form of a dummy or symbolically, as a means of expressing strong disapproval, hatred, or protest towards them. It doesn't involve physically harming or executing the person, but rather serves as a symbolic act of condemnation.
-
burn sm in effigy
The idiom "burn someone in effigy" refers to the symbolic act of making an effigy, usually out of straw or a similar material, in the likeness of a person, and then setting it on fire as a form of protest, expression of anger, or public condemnation against that person. It represents a way to publicly criticize or denounce someone without actually causing them physical harm.
-
hang in effigy
To "hang in effigy" means to publicly display or represent a person, usually by hanging a likeness or representation of them, as a form of protest or symbolic expression of anger or disapproval. It is often done to express strong disdain or condemnation towards someone, without physically harming them. The use of effigies in this manner is intended to symbolize the person being targeted and to send a message of social or political opposition.
-
burn (or hang) in effigy
The idiom "burn (or hang) in effigy" refers to the act of symbolically expressing anger, protest, or strong disapproval towards a person or entity by creating and then ritually destroying an effigy, or a representation of that person or entity. The effigy, typically made from straw or some other material, is set on fire or hanged to mimic punishment or condemnation. This act is not meant to physically harm the actual person but rather serves as a public and symbolic display of outrage or dissatisfaction.
-
burn (one) in effigy
The definition of the idiom "burn (one) in effigy" means to construct and burn a representation of someone, typically made of straw or another material, as a form of public protest or anger. It symbolizes the collective contempt or disapproval of that person, often due to their perceived actions, politics, or decisions. This action is usually performed in public demonstrations or events as a non-violent way to express strong disapproval or protest against the individual.
-
in effigy
The idiom "in effigy" refers to the act of symbolically representing someone, usually a disliked or criticized individual, by using a dummy or an image that represents their likeness. This representation is often used for the purpose of publicly expressing strong disapproval, protest, or contempt towards that person.
-
burn someone in effigy
The idiom "burn someone in effigy" refers to the act of creating and burning a representation or likeness of a person, typically made out of straw, cloth, or another combustible material, as a symbolic form of protest or expressing collective anger or disapproval towards that individual. This act is undertaken when it is impossible or undesirable to target the actual person involved. It is often used as a means of criticizing or condemning someone publicly, symbolically "burning" them in effigy to show strong opposition, discontent, or seek retribution.
-
hang someone in effigy
The idiom "hang someone in effigy" refers to the act of creating or displaying a lifelike representation of an individual (typically made of straw, clothes, or other materials) and publicly hanging or displaying it in a public place. This symbolic act is meant to express strong disapproval, condemnation, or protest towards that person. It is not a literal act of harm or violence towards the individual; rather, it represents a non-violent form of expressing anger, contempt, or dissatisfaction with their actions or character.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
