Pronunciation: [lˈɪnt͡ʃɪz] (IPA) 
The spelling of "lynches" can be confusing due to its irregularity. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˈlɪntʃɪz/, with the stress on the first syllable. The word is spelled with a "y" instead of an "i" after the "n" because it is derived from the surname "Lynch," which has its origins in Ireland. Over time, the spelling of the word has evolved, and the "y" has remained to preserve the historical connection to the surname.
"Lynches" is a term that refers to the act of punishing or killing someone, typically by a mob or a group of people, without the involvement of the legal system. This form of extrajudicial or vigilante violence is carried out based on a perceived offense or transgression, often without giving the accused individual an opportunity to defend themselves. Lynching is usually characterized by the absence of a fair trial, due process, or any lawful authority overseeing the proceedings.
The term "lynches" is derived from the actual practice of lynching, which has a dark and violent history primarily associated with racial discrimination and the punishment of African Americans in the United States. Most commonly associated with the late 19th and early 20th centuries, lynching was often utilized as a tool for enforcing racial segregation, maintaining white supremacy, and instilling fear in minority communities.
Lynchings were carried out in various forms, including hangings, shootings, beatings, and burnings, and often involved multiple individuals acting out of a sense of vengeance or collective punishment. These acts were often public spectacles, attracting large crowds and serving to further perpetuate racial hatred and intimidation.
It is important to note that lynching is an unlawful and morally reprehensible act that violates the principles of justice, equality, and human rights. The term "lynches" is thus generally employed in a negative context to describe a brutal and unjust act of violence perpetrated outside the realms of the legal system.
The word "lynches" is a verb form derived from the noun "lynch", which refers to the act of extrajudicially executing or punishing someone, typically by a mob without legal authority. The term "lynch" originated in the United States in the late 18th century and is commonly associated with racial violence and discrimination.
The exact etymology of the word "lynch" is uncertain, as it has several proposed origins. One theory suggests that it evolved from the phrase "Lynch Law", named after Charles Lynch, a Virginia planter and justice of the peace during the American Revolution. Charles Lynch employed extrajudicial methods to maintain order and suppress loyalists during a time of rebel activity, leading to the term "Lynch's law" or "Lynch Law" being adopted to describe vigilante actions.
Another theory links the term to Captain William Lynch, a figure from colonial North Carolina.
