Background for guillotines

guillotines

/ˈɡɪlətiːnz/ /ˌɡiːjəˈtiːnz/

Illustration guillotines - Image 1

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 :

"During the French Revolution, guillotines were used to execute many people. "

government law history machine weapon war inhuman

Illustration guillotines - 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 cut the stack of papers neatly. "

device machine stationery utensil writing industry

Illustration guillotines - Image 1

noun

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

Examples :

"After hours of debate with no clear resolution in sight, the committee invoked guillotines on several amendments, forcing a vote on each one immediately. "

politics government law

Illustration guillotines - Image 1

noun

A surgical instrument for cutting the tonsils.

Examples :

"The doctor used the tonsil guillotines to quickly remove the patient's swollen tonsils during the surgery. "

medicine utensil device

Illustration guillotines - Image 1

verb

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

Examples :

"The professor threatened to guillotines any student who did not submit their project on time. "

government history law war weapon military action

Illustration guillotines - Image 1

verb

To end discussion on a parliamentary bill by invoking cloture.

Examples :

"Seeing the meeting was running overtime and no decisions were being made, the chairperson guillotined the discussion and called for a vote. "

politics government law