ENGLISH
REFERENCE

effigy

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈɛfɪdʒi// UK //ˈɛfɪdʒi// ef·fi·gy

n. a statue or picture of a person that is made to show that people hate them. People often burn or destroy these to show their anger.

n. a representation of a person, typically in the form of a statue or effigy, used to symbolise public hatred or disapproval. Often destroyed in a ritualistic manner to express collective anger.


SIMPLE

The angry crowd burned a wooden effigy of the mayor.

CONTEXTUAL

During the protest, demonstrators carried a large effigy of the CEO through the city center to show their opposition to the new tax.

COMPLEX

The historical records indicate that the effigy was not merely a symbolic gesture, but a calculated act of public humiliation intended to intimidate the local administration into reversing its decision.

Synonyms
Origin

From French effigie, from Latin effigiēs (“likeness, effigy”), from effingō (“represent, portray”).

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