pillory Antonyms

Meaning of pillory

Wordnet

pillory (n)

a wooden instrument of punishment on a post with holes for the wrists and neck; offenders were locked in and so exposed to public scorn

Wordnet

pillory (v)

expose to ridicule or public scorn

punish by putting in a pillory

criticize harshly or violently

Webster

pillory (n.)

A frame of adjustable boards erected on a post, and having holes through which the head and hands of an offender were thrust so as to be exposed in front of it.

Webster

pillory (v. t.)

To set in, or punish with, the pillory.

Figuratively, to expose to public scorn.

pillory Sentence Examples

  1. The town square was abuzz with onlookers as the accused was placed in the pillory for public humiliation.
  2. The medieval practice of pillorying criminals served as a warning to potential wrongdoers.
  3. The pillory, a wooden frame with holes for the head and hands, was a cruel and degrading form of punishment.
  4. The accused was subjected to ridicule and scorn as they stood in the pillory for hours, exposed to the elements.
  5. The pillory became a symbol of shame and social ostracism, often leading to lifelong consequences.
  6. Abolitionists argued against the use of the pillory, deeming it barbaric and ineffective.
  7. Public pillorying declined in popularity in the 19th century due to growing humanitarian concerns.
  8. Today, the pillory is seen as an archaic practice that violates human rights and dignity.
  9. The concept of the pillory has been metaphorically revived in some contexts, such as online platforms where individuals are publicly denounced and vilified.
  10. The modern-day pillory often takes the form of social media harassment, cyberbullying, or cancel culture.

FAQs About the word pillory

a wooden instrument of punishment on a post with holes for the wrists and neck; offenders were locked in and so exposed to public scorn, expose to ridicule or p

condemn, criticize, scold,blame, denounce, fault, slam, gibbet, excoriate, attack

sanction, indorse, recommend, indorse, endorse, endorse, commend, sanction, commend, recommend

The town square was abuzz with onlookers as the accused was placed in the pillory for public humiliation.

The medieval practice of pillorying criminals served as a warning to potential wrongdoers.

The pillory, a wooden frame with holes for the head and hands, was a cruel and degrading form of punishment.

The accused was subjected to ridicule and scorn as they stood in the pillory for hours, exposed to the elements.