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necklace

n. · v.
US //ˈnɛkɫəs// UK //nˈɛkləs// neck·lace
  1. 1 jewellery (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a piece of jewellery that you wear around your neck.

    an ornamental chain or string of beads, jewels, or links worn around the neck.

    Example

    She wore a beautiful gold necklace that her grandmother gave her.

    Example

    The museum's collection includes an intricate diamond necklace once owned by the French royal family.
  2. 2 execution device (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Dialect

    a petrol-filled tyre used as a weapon or for execution.

    a rubber tyre filled with petrol, used in the practice of 'necklacing' as a method of extrajudicial execution.

    Example

    The history book described the horrific use of the necklace during the riots.

    Example

    The witness provided a harrowing account of how the mob used a petrol-soaked necklace to intimidate the local population.

    Usage

    Specific to South African English and historical contexts of political violence.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is highly specific to South African history; learners should be aware of its extremely violent and sensitive nature.

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  1. 3 to execute (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Dialect

    to kill someone using a petrol-filled tyre.

    to carry out an extrajudicial execution by placing a petrol-filled tyre around a victim's neck and setting it on fire.

    Example

    The gang threatened to necklace anyone who spoke to the police.

    Example

    During the height of the unrest, several individuals were necklaced in the streets as a warning to others.

    Usage

    Transitive verb used primarily in South African political and historical discourse.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a very rare and specific verb; it is almost never used outside of discussing South African history.

Origin

From neck + lace.

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