English Reference
Noun

effigy

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

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.

Local government says at least 60 were wounded in the blast, apparently caused by a burning bull effigy.

Al Jazeera· 6 Sept 2026

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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin effigiēs
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated