lynch

verb

ˈlinch How to pronounce lynch (audio)
lynched; lynching; lynches

transitive verb

: to put to death (as by hanging) by mob action without legal approval or permission
The accused killer was lynched by an angry mob.
lyncher noun

Examples of lynch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Too many Black men had been lynched for less. — Rodney Carmichael, NPR, 3 June 2026 Jokes about lynching black people — lynching is not a joke. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 23 May 2026 Concern arose that Orange was going to be taken out of the jail and lynched. — Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 The memorial will include a space for people to pray and a timeline wall detailing the day Rouse was lynched. — Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for lynch

Word History

Etymology

after lynch law

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lynch was in 1835

Phrases Containing lynch

Rhymes for lynch

See All Rhymes for lynch

Browse Nearby Words

lyncean
lynch
Lynchburg
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lynch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lynch. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lynch

verb
ˈlinch How to pronounce lynch (audio)
: to put to death (as by hanging) by mob action without legal authority
lyncher noun

Legal Definition

lynch

transitive verb
ˈlinch How to pronounce lynch (audio)
: to put to death (as by hanging) by mob action without legal sanction
lyncher noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lynch

Nglish: Translation of lynch for Spanish Speakers

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