What does "defenestration" mean?
The act of throwing something or especially someone out of a window, especially lethally.
Defenestration
/dɪˌfɛnɪˈstɹeɪʃ(ə)n/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of throwing something or especially someone out of a window, especially lethally.
- Grammar: defenestration is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: ax, boot, burning, capital punishment.
- Useful contrasts: reappointment, reentry, reinstatement.
- Usage evidence: The Defenestration of Prague of 23 May 1618 is considered to have triggered the Thirty Year War.
How to use "defenestration"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "defenestration" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "defenestration" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "defenestration" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "defenestration" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "defenestration" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "ax" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "defenestration", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of throwing something or especially someone out of a window, especially lethally. countable, uncountable
"The "Defenestration" at Prague (A.D. 1618). [...] The imperial Austrian Councillors are thrown out of the window of the castle of Hradschin by the enraged Bohemian Deputies [...]"
- 2 the act of throwing someone or something out of a window wordnet
- 3 The high-profile removal of a person from an organization. British, countable, uncountable
"Be that as it may, his defenestration was coldly abrupt, and in his place, the Football Association resurrected a veteran manager and former England star in Joe Mercer for seven games."
- 4 The high-profile removal of a person from an organization.; to eliminate from a contest or sport championship British, countable, figuratively, uncountable
"Parrott had described Thursday’s defenestration of Cristiano Ronaldo’s team as the best night of his life, only for Sunday to be yet more gloriously dramatic. The former Tottenham trainee, who plays in the Dutch Eredivisie for AZ Alkmaar, would almost certainly not have started Ireland’s double-header had Roma’s Evan Ferguson not injured an ankle."
- 5 The act of removing the Microsoft Windows operating system from a computer in order to install an alternative one. countable, humorous, uncountable
"Defenestration might be an option too. May I recommend Linux?"
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The Defenestration of Prague of 23 May 1618 is considered to have triggered the Thirty Year War."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "defenestration"?
Common synonyms include: ax, boot, burning, capital punishment, chair, crucifixion.
How do you use "defenestration" in a sentence?
The Defenestration of Prague of 23 May 1618 is considered to have triggered the Thirty Year War.
How do you pronounce "defenestration"?
Pronounced /dɪˌfɛnɪˈstɹeɪʃ(ə)n/.
Etymology
From New Latin defenestratio, from dē (“from; out”) + fenestra (“window”) + -atio (suffix indicating an action or process); compare Middle French défenestrer (modern French défenestrer), défenestration, Italian defenestrazione and German Fenstersturz. The verb defenestrate was formed later.