What does defenestrate mean?

What does defenestrate mean

What does defenestrate mean

Pronunciation

/dɛfˌɛnɛˈstrəteɪt/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The act of throwing someone or something out of a window, typically as a form of punishment or as a sudden and intense display of anger.

Examples

  • In medieval times, defenestration was used as a form of punishment for treason.
  • The politician’s angry outburst ended in a display of defenestration.

Synonyms

  • Throwing out
  • Expulsion

Antonyms

  • Admission
  • Allowance

Etymology

The word “defenestrate” comes from the Latin “fenestra,” meaning “window,” and the prefix “de-,” meaning “to remove” or “to take away.”

Usage Notes

Defenestrate is typically used in formal or literary language to describe a dramatic or violent act of throwing someone or something out of a window.

Cultural References

The word “defenestrate” has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

There are no common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “defenestrate.”

Related Words or Phrases

Words or phrases closely related in meaning or usage to “defenestrate” include “expel,” “dismiss,” and “oust.”

Collocations

Common word combinations with the term “defenestrate” include “out of window,” “from the window,” and “through the window.”

Frequency of Use

The word “defenestrate” is relatively rare in modern language, but it has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique and evocative meaning.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of “defenestrate” include “defenestrait,” “defenestreet,” and “fenestrate.”

Related Words