pillory: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2formal, historical, literary
Quick answer
What does “pillory” mean?
to publicly criticize and ridicule someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to publicly criticize and ridicule someone; historically, to punish by placing in a wooden framework with holes for the head and hands, exposing the person to public scorn.
To subject to severe public abuse or scorn, often in media or online contexts. The term evokes a sense of archaic, humiliating punishment applied metaphorically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Both use the term in formal/journalistic contexts for public condemnation. The historical noun is equally recognized.
Connotations
Conveys a severe, often merciless, form of public criticism. Implies the subject is being made a spectacle of.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly more common in UK historical and journalistic writing.
Grammar
How to Use “pillory” in a Sentence
[Subject] pilloried [Object] for [Reason/Act][Subject] was pilloried in [Medium/Forum]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pillory” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The editorial sought to pillory the minister for his careless remarks.
- He was pilloried in Parliament for his handling of the crisis.
American English
- The talk show host pilloried the candidate's policy proposal.
- She feared being pilloried on social media for her controversial post.
adjective
British English
- The pilloried executive resigned shortly after the scandal broke.
- He gave a defence from his pilloried position.
American English
- The pilloried senator faced calls to step down.
- Her pilloried reputation made finding new work difficult.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The CEO was pilloried in the financial press for the failed merger.'
Academic
Used in historical/sociological texts regarding punishment and public shaming.
Everyday
Very rare. Mostly encountered in quality journalism.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pillory”
- Using it as a synonym for mild criticism. Confusing it with 'pillar'. Incorrect: 'He pilloried me gently.' Correct: 'He was mercilessly pilloried.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is also a noun referring to the historical wooden framework used for punishment. However, the verb form is more common in modern figurative use.
No, it is inherently negative, describing an act of severe public censure or humiliation.
'Pillory' is much stronger, implying not just criticism but public exposure to ridicule and scorn, often with a sense of collective attack.
No, it is a formal, low-frequency word most often found in journalism, historical writing, or academic contexts.
to publicly criticize and ridicule someone.
Pillory is usually formal, historical, literary in register.
Pillory: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɪl.ər.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɪl.ər.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “put someone in the pillory (rare, metaphorical)”
- “a modern-day pillory (referring to social media shaming)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PILLOW being used to smother someone's reputation—but it's a 'pillory' that traps and exposes them to public attack.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUBLIC CRITICISM IS A PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT / THE MEDIA IS A STOCKS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern meaning of 'to pillory'?