STRAPPADO Meaning and
Definition
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Strappado is a noun that refers to a form of punishment or torture in which a person is suspended by their wrists, typically by a rope or chain, and then abruptly and forcefully dropped down. This action stretches the person's arms and dislocates their shoulders, causing immense pain and discomfort. The strappado punishment has been historically employed in various cultures as a means of interrogation, punishment, or coercion.
The term derives from the Italian word "strappare," meaning "to tear" or "to wrench," which accurately depicts the sudden and violent nature of this punishment. The severity of the strappado can lead to physical injury, such as dislocated joints, broken bones, and torn muscles, and it can also result in long-lasting trauma and psychological damage.
While the strappado is often associated with medieval times and the Spanish Inquisition, it has been utilized in different periods and regions around the world. Historically, this punishment was predominantly used in judicial settings, where individuals were subjected to the strappado in order to extract confessions or obtain information.
Today, the strappado is widely condemned as a form of torture and is considered a violation of human rights. It is officially prohibited by international law, including the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Common Misspellings for STRAPPADO
- atrappado
- ztrappado
- xtrappado
- dtrappado
- etrappado
- wtrappado
- srrappado
- sfrappado
- sgrappado
- syrappado
- s6rappado
- s5rappado
- steappado
- stdappado
- stfappado
- sttappado
- st5appado
- st4appado
- strapplado
Etymology of STRAPPADO
The word "strappado" has its origins in Italian, deriving from the verb "strappare", meaning "to pull or tear off". It entered English in the late 16th century and initially referred to a method of torture or punishment. In this practice, the victim's hands were tied behind their back, and they would be lifted by a pulley, causing intense pain in the shoulders and sometimes dislocating their joints. This painful technique was often employed during interrogations. The term "strappado" eventually extended beyond torture and began to be used more broadly to refer to the act of suspending or hanging objects, as seen in the phrase "strappado the topsail" used in naval contexts.
Similar spelling words for STRAPPADO
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