Background for guillotine

guillotine

/ˈɡiː.ə.tiːn/

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noun

A machine used for the application of capital punishment by decapitation, consisting of a tall upright frame from which is suspended a heavy diagonal-edged blade.

Examples :

"The guillotine was a gruesome tool used in some historical executions. "

machine weapon history government law inhuman

Illustration guillotine - Image 1

noun

A device used for cutting stacks of paper to straight edges, usually by means of a hinged blade attached to a flat platform.

Examples :

"The office worker used the guillotine to trim the edges of the reports, making them look neat and professional. "

machine device technology stationery utensil item

Illustration guillotine - Image 1

noun

A cloture; a motion that debate be ended and a vote taken.

Examples :

"The student council proposed a guillotine to end the debate about the new school mascot. "

politics government law

Illustration guillotine - Image 1

noun

A surgical instrument for cutting the tonsils.

Examples :

"The doctor used the guillotine to remove the patient's tonsils. "

medicine utensil

Illustration guillotine - Image 1

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verb

To execute, cut or cut short (a person, a stack of paper or a debate) by use of a guillotine.

Examples :

"To ensure they could finish on time, the committee voted to guillotine the debate after 15 minutes per speaker. "

government history war law politics action state weapon inhuman

Illustration guillotine - Image 1

verb

To end discussion on a parliamentary bill by invoking cloture.

Examples :

"The school board voted to guillotine the proposal for a new sports field, ending the debate. "

politics government law action