hangman

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

IPA: /ˈhæŋmən/

Definitions

1. A person whose job is to execute people by hanging.
2. A word-guessing game in which a player tries to guess a hidden word by suggesting letters, with incorrect guesses leading to a drawing of a stick figure being hanged.

Usage Examples

• "The hangman placed the noose around the prisoner’s neck."
• "We played a game of hangman to pass the time."

Etymology

Derived from "hang" (Old English "hangan," meaning to suspend) and "man" (from Old English "mann," meaning a person).

Synonyms

• Executioner
• Headsman

Antonyms

• Victim
• Pardon-giver

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

UK: /ˈhæŋmən/

US: /ˈhæŋˌmæn/

Historical Usage

The term "hangman" has been used since the medieval period to refer to executioners responsible for hangings. It gained popularity in the 19th century with public executions.

Cultural Nuances

While the historical role of the hangman is now largely obsolete, the word has persisted due to the popular word-guessing game, which is widely played in classrooms and informal settings.

More Information

The role of the hangman was historically viewed with a mix of fear and contempt, as they were seen as both essential law enforcers and symbols of capital punishment. In modern times, the word "hangman" is more commonly associated with the educational word game, where players guess a hidden word before an illustrated figure is completed.