EXECUTIONER Meaning and
Definition
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An executioner refers to an individual who is specifically designated to carry out the act of executing someone who has been sentenced to death. Also known as a public executioner or a hangman, the role of an executioner is to perform the gruesome task of putting an individual to death as per legal orders.
Historically, executioners were public figures with the responsibility of ending the lives of criminals, usually through methods such as beheading, hanging, or other forms of capital punishment. They were often masked or dressed in distinctive clothing to conceal their identities and protect them from potential retaliation. The duty of an executioner was commonly passed down from generation to generation, leading to certain families becoming infamous for this vocation.
In modern societies, the role of an executioner has diminished, primarily due to the abolition of capital punishment in many countries. However, in regions where the death penalty remains legal, an executioner may still be employed. Their function is to fulfill the state's decision for the ultimate punishment, ensuring that the execution is carried out in a lawful and controlled manner.
The word "executioner" often carries a negative connotation due to the nature of their task. They are frequently associated with violence, cruelty, and the deprivation of human life. However, it is important to recognize that an executioner is ultimately an individual who carries out their duties according to legal frameworks and societal mandates, irrespective of personal beliefs or emotions surrounding the act of execution.
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He who puts to death by legal warrant; a hangman.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for EXECUTIONER *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for EXECUTIONER
Etymology of EXECUTIONER
The word "executioner" originated from the Old French term "executionarius" or "exécuteur" which was derived from the Latin word "executionem", meaning "a carrying out or performing". The Latin term was formed from the verb "exequi" which meant "to follow out" or "to carry out". In medieval times, an executioner was responsible for carrying out punishments, particularly capital punishment, which explains the association of the word with someone who administers or performs executions.
Similar spelling words for EXECUTIONER
- execution sale,
- exaction,
- executant,
- execution,
- Executable,
- executed,
- exocoetidae,
- exhaustion,
- exactness,
- executing,
- executive,
- executor,
- executrix.
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