English · Word Candidate

lynch

/lɪnt͡ʃ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: lynches · lynching · lynched

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To execute (somebody) without a proper legal trial or procedure, especially by hanging and backed by a mob.

Verb

Examples

Public anger erupted. Soldiers were lynched in the streets including young recruits proven to have been deceived by their generals about the true intentions of the attack.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To castigate severely.

VerbRegister: colloquial

Examples

I telephoned Bill Brandon in Oxford and begged him to get the new refrigeration unit into production before I got lynched.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “lynch” mean?

To execute (somebody) without a proper legal trial or procedure, especially by hanging and backed by a mob.

Is “lynch” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.