Word
capital punishment
Definition
compound. the legal killing of a person by the government as a punishment for a very serious crime.
compound. the legally authorized killing of someone as punishment for a crime, typically a felony such as murder or treason. Uncountable noun phrase used in legal and political discourse.
Examples
“Many countries have abolished capital punishment in recent years.”
“The debate over capital punishment often focuses on whether it actually prevents serious crimes from happening.”
“The international community remains divided on capital punishment, with several nations maintaining it as a deterrent despite widespread calls for global abolition.”
Examples
simple
“Many countries have abolished capital punishment in recent years.”
contextual
“The debate over capital punishment often focuses on whether it actually prevents serious crimes from happening.”
complex
“The international community remains divided on capital punishment, with several nations maintaining it as a deterrent despite widespread calls for global abolition.”
Usage
usually functions as an uncountable noun and is often used in formal or legal contexts.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'death penalty' (the most common synonym) and 'execution' (the act itself); 'capital' comes from the Latin 'caput', meaning head.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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