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pillory

verb

/ˈpɪl(ə)ri/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of pillory

To publicly criticize or condemn someone, especially in a way that is intended to humiliate or shame.
"He would often pillory his opponents in public speeches."

Detailed meaning of pillory

For example, someone who is pilloried in the media for their actions may be subject to intense public scrutiny and criticism. In this sense, the verb "pillory" is often used to describe a form of public shaming, whether it is physical or symbolic.

The verb "pillory" also means to publicly shame or humiliate someone, often by putting them on display in a wooden frame with holes for their head and hands. Historically, the pillory was a physical device that was used to punish people for various offenses, such as public drunkenness or disorderly conduct. The person would be placed in the pillory and left there for a period of time, often while being pelted with rotting fruits, vegetables, or other debris. Pillorying was not only a punishment but also a public spectacle.

Example sentences containing pillory

1. The media was quick to pillory the celebrity for his controversial comments.
2. It's unfair to pillory someone for a single mistake without understanding the context.
3. Her decision to pillory her colleague in front of the entire team was unprofessional.
4. The online community often uses anonymity to pillory others without consequences.
5. Instead of offering support, they chose to pillory their struggling friend.
6. The opposition party sought to pillory the government's economic policies.

History and etymology of pillory

The verb 'pillory' has a compelling etymology deeply rooted in historical punishment practices. It can be traced back to the Latin word 'pila,' meaning 'pillar' or 'post,' which was often used as a device for punishment. In medieval Europe, a pillory was a wooden framework with holes for the head and hands, where individuals were locked and put on public display as a form of punishment and public humiliation. This practice involved people being jeered at, ridiculed, and even pelted with various objects by the crowd. Over time, the term 'pillory' evolved into a metaphorical sense, referring to the act of publicly criticizing or condemning someone, especially in a manner aimed at humiliating or shaming them. The etymology of 'pillory' vividly illustrates its historical connection to public humiliation and condemnation.

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Further usage examples of pillory

1. The teacher's decision to pillory the student discouraged rather than motivated.
2. Social media can be a platform to pillory individuals for their beliefs.
3. Let's avoid the urge to pillory and focus on constructive criticism.
4. The journalist chose to pillory the public figure in her scathing article.
5. In the court of public opinion, it's easy to pillory without empathy.
6. They pillory anyone who dares to challenge their beliefs.
7. The newspaper article sought to pillory the politician's actions.
8. The social media users pillory celebrities for the smallest mistakes.
9. The comedian used his platform to pillory societal norms.
10. The journalist aimed to pillory corruption within the government.
11. It's unfair to pillory someone without giving them a chance to defend themselves.
12. The political cartoonist pilloried politicians through his satirical illustrations.
13. The public figure was pilloried for their controversial remarks.
14. The author used his novel to pillory societal injustices.
15. The talk show host enjoyed the opportunity to pillory guests with opposing views.
16. Some media outlets tend to pillory individuals without proper evidence.
17. The film sought to pillory the excesses of the entertainment industry.
18. It is important to have a fair and balanced discussion instead of resorting to pillorying others.
19. The community rallied together to pillory the local business for unethical practices.
20. The activists pillory corporations for their role in environmental destruction.
21. The comedian's routine often includes pillorying political figures.
22. The online forum became a breeding ground for users to pillory one another.
23. The campaign aimed to pillory dishonest business practices.
24. The writer used their platform to pillory the flaws in the education system.