# lynch

/ˈɫɪntʃ/ (US) · /lˈɪntʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lynch
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. extrajudicial killing

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal

to kill someone for a supposed crime without a legal trial, usually by a large, angry group of people.

For teachers: to execute an individual without legal authority or due process, typically carried out by a mob and often involving hanging.

- The history books describe how the mob tried to lynch the prisoner before the sheriff could intervene.
- The documentary explores the horrific era when groups would lynch citizens with total impunity, bypassing the judicial system entirely.

Usage: This is a transitive verb and always requires a direct object.

### 2. to criticize harshly

verb · CEFR C2 · Informal · Humorous

to punish or criticize someone very severely for a mistake.

For teachers: to castigate or condemn someone severely in a public or social context. Used figuratively and hyperbolically.

- The fans will lynch the coach if the team loses another game this weekend.
- The press was ready to lynch the minister after the scandal broke, leaving him with no allies in the cabinet.

Teaching tip: This sense is hyperbolic; learners should be aware that because of the word's violent history, using it lightly can sometimes be seen as insensitive.

## Examples

- The angry crowd threatened to lynch the suspect.
- The prisoner was moved to a secret location to prevent the mob from trying to lynch him before the trial.
- Historical accounts of the region detail how local mobs would frequently lynch those accused of minor crimes, bypassing the judicial system entirely to satisfy a collective desire for immediate vengeance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.