Defenestrates

/dɪˈfɛnəstreɪts/ verb

Definition

Throws or forces out of a window; removes from power or position in a sudden or violent way.

Etymology

Third-person singular present tense of defenestrate, from Latin 'defenestra' (de- 'out of' + fenestra 'window'). The regular '-s' ending marks present tense third person (he/she/it).

Kelly Says

When people use 'defenestrates' today, they almost never mean an actual window—it's become a witty word for getting rid of someone dramatically, which shows how language borrows historical drama for modern situations.

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