code of hammurabi: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “code of hammurabi” mean?
An ancient Babylonian legal code, one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world, created circa 1754 BCE by the Babylonian king Hammurabi.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An ancient Babylonian legal code, one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world, created circa 1754 BCE by the Babylonian king Hammurabi.
Often used as a historical reference point for early written law, justice systems, and the concept of 'an eye for an eye' (lex talionis). In modern discourse, it can metaphorically refer to any strict, ancient, or foundational set of rules.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling of 'code' and 'Hammurabi' is identical. Potential minor variation in pronunciation (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical connotations of antiquity, foundational law, and sometimes harsh justice.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to historical, legal, and academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “code of hammurabi” in a Sentence
[Subject] predates the Code of Hammurabi.The Code of Hammurabi [verb] [object].[Concept] is often compared to the Code of Hammurabi.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “code of hammurabi” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The legal system was not codified in the way Hammurabi codified Babylonian law.
American English
- He argued the company's new policy practically Hammurabi-codes employee behaviour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used metaphorically to criticise overly rigid or punitive company policies.
Academic
Common in history, law, archaeology, and anthropology courses discussing ancient civilisations.
Everyday
Very rare. Might appear in documentaries, news articles about archaeology, or general knowledge quizzes.
Technical
Used in specific fields like Assyriology, legal history, and archaeology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “code of hammurabi”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “code of hammurabi”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “code of hammurabi”
- Misspelling: 'Hamurabi', 'Hammurabbi', 'Code of Hamurabi'.
- Incorrect article: 'the Hammurabi Code' (less common).
- Mispronunciation: placing stress on the first syllable of Hammurabi (/ˈhæmʊrɑːbi/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It was created around 1754 BCE during the reign of King Hammurabi of Babylon.
A diorite stele inscribed with the code was discovered in 1901 in Susa, modern-day Iran, and is now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
The concept is present (e.g., Law 196: 'If a man put out the eye of another man, his eye shall be put out.'), but the exact phrase 'an eye for an eye' is a later Biblical expression.
It is one of the oldest and most complete written legal codes, providing immense insight into the social structure, justice, and daily life of ancient Mesopotamia.
An ancient Babylonian legal code, one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world, created circa 1754 BCE by the Babylonian king Hammurabi.
Code of hammurabi is usually formal, academic, historical in register.
Code of hammurabi: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkəʊd əv ˌhæmʊˈrɑːbi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkoʊd əv ˌhæməˈrɑːbi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as old/archaic as) the Code of Hammurabi”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HAMmer the rules' – Hammurabi hammered out his famous code on a stone stele.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SET OF RULES IS AN ANCIENT ARTEFACT; JUSTICE IS RETRIBUTION (via 'an eye for an eye').
Practice
Quiz
What is the Code of Hammurabi primarily known as?