lynch

verb

ˈlinch 

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

The lynching museum is very clear about what lynching was, what the history of it was. — Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 2 July 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 event was hosted by Shane Gillis and featured divisive manosphere comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who made jokes about lynching and slavery, respectively. — Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 June 2026

Too many Black men had been lynched for less. — Rodney Carmichael, NPR, 3 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

after lynch law

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing lynch

• lynch law
• lynch mob

Rhymes for lynch

• cinch
• finch
• flinch
• inch
• pinch
• synch
• winch
• bullfinch
• goldfinch

Kids Definition

lynch

verb

ˈlinch 

: to put to death (as by hanging) by mob action without legal authority

lyncher noun

Legal Definition

lynch

transitive verb

ˈlinch 

: to put to death (as by hanging) by mob action without legal sanction

lyncher noun