pillory
verb · noun
Simple meaning
Expose to ridicule or public scorn.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
pilereeSay the bold part a little louder.
IPA pronunciation (US)
ˈpɪlɚi
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
verb
Expose to ridicule or public scorn
transitive
To subject to humiliation, scorn, ridicule or abuse.
transitive
To criticize harshly.
Punish by putting in a pillory
noun
A framework on a post, with holes for the hands and head, used as a means of punishment and humiliation.
A wooden instrument of punishment on a post with holes for the wrists and neck; offenders were locked in and so exposed to public scorn
Word at a Glance
- Difficulty
- C2 · Proficient (estimated)
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
Aura for this meaning
This meaning: Expose to ridicule or public scorn
Used this way, pillory is a reasonably familiar word with a clearly unfavourable pull. It usually sounds natural in a wide range of settings.
- Emotional tone
- Negative
- Formality
- Neutral
- Intensity
- Moderate
- How common
- Moderately common
- Connotation
- Serious and weighty
- Usage feel
- Neutral and straightforward
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
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