Gallows
'ɡæləʊz
Definitions
2 meaningsA framework, typically of two upright posts and a transverse beam, from which criminals are hanged.
'ɡæləʊz
A structure, typically wooden, used for hanging criminals.
The prisoner faced the gallows with a mixture of fear and defiance.
💡 Simply: Imagine a wooden frame used to punish people in olden times. It's where they used to hang criminals. Like in old movies, when someone's sentence was death by hanging.
👶 For kids: A tall wooden thing that people used to hang people as punishment.
More Examples
The gallows, a symbol of capital punishment, stood ominously in the town square.
Many believed the gallows were a deterrent to crime.
How It's Used
"The condemned man was led to the gallows."
"The gallows stood as a stark reminder of the harsh punishments of the time."
Death by hanging; a metaphorical state of extreme danger or threat.
'ɡæləʊz
Death by hanging
The detective felt he was walking toward the gallows, knowing he had made a mistake.
💡 Simply: When someone's facing 'the gallows,' it means they're in deep trouble, maybe even facing death. Like being right at the edge of a dangerous situation.
👶 For kids: If someone is 'at the gallows', it means they might be in really big, scary trouble.
More Examples
Their venture was so risky that the failure was near the gallows.
Facing the gallows of public opinion, the politician resigned.
How It's Used
"He was a hair's breadth away from the gallows."
"His fate was sealed, and the gallows awaited."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
to cheat the gallows
To escape execution or a severe punishment, especially death by hanging.
"The cunning outlaw cheated the gallows by escaping the prison."
dance the gallows
To be hanged. To be executed by hanging.
"The villain was finally forced to dance the gallows after several counts of murder."
From Middle English galwes, from Old English galga, meaning 'gallows, cross.' Related to the Proto-Germanic *galgô, of uncertain origin.
Historically, gallows were a common method of execution in many societies, particularly for serious crimes such as treason and murder. The term appears frequently in historical records and literature, signifying both the physical structure and the act of execution.
Memory tip
Think of a wooden structure where people met their end by hanging. The gallows!
Word Origin
"gallows, cross"