strappado

noun

strap·​pa·​do stra-ˈpā-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce strappado (audio)
-ˈpä-
: a punishment or torture in which the subject is hoisted by rope and allowed to fall its full length
also : a machine used to inflict this torture

Examples of strappado in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For instance, outside Ma68 Trading in Manhattan, Huggy was available on a recent visit in gray, red or green, each clipped to a circular clothes rack, strappado style. Magdalene J. Taylor, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2023 Held in the Bargello prison, Machiavelli was tortured over a period of several weeks by means of the strappado, a device that dropped bound prisoners from a height in order to dislocate their shoulders and arms. National Geographic, 22 Oct. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'strappado.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

modification of Italian strappata, literally, sharp pull

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of strappado was in 1560

Dictionary Entries Near strappado

Cite this Entry

“Strappado.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strappado. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on strappado

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!