Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
bourreau. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
bourreau, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
bourreau in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
bourreau you have here. The definition of the word
bourreau will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
bourreau, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
French
Etymology
From bourrer (“to hit”).
Pronunciation
Noun
bourreau m (plural bourreaux)
- torturer
- executioner, hangman (the person)
- Synonyms: exécuteur, guillotineur, taule, tranche-tête
1640, Pierre Corneille, Horace, act 5, scene 3:L’abandonnerez-vous à l’infâme couteau / Qui fait choir les méchants sous la main d’un bourreau ?- Would you abandon him to the infamous blade / Which makes the wicked fall under the headman's hand?
- individual who lives extravagantly
Derived terms
Further reading