defenestration
en
en
Change language
Translating...
/ˌdɛf.ənˈstreɪ.ʃən/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
The act of throwing something out of a window, and by extension the abrupt removal or rejection of an object, idea, or system.
Examples
Social media can cause the defenestration of traditional news outlets.
The movie recreated the infamous defenestration for dramatic effect.
Witnesses reported a dramatic defenestration during the riot.
The defenestration of the outdated law surprised legislators.
The CEO's defenestration of the old branding was a bold move.
Similar words
abolition
expulsion
toss
ejection
dismissal
cast
elimination
rejection
discard
hurlMeanings
Examples
The defenestration of the protester shocked the crowd.
Witnesses reported a dramatic defenestration during the riot.
Historical accounts describe the defenestration of officials in Prague.
The movie recreated the infamous defenestration for dramatic effect.
A sudden defenestration sent the vase crashing onto the street.
Similar words
ejection
toss
throw
cast
hurlexpulsion
Examples
The defenestration of the outdated law surprised legislators.
Their sudden defenestration of the proposal left the team reeling.
Social media can cause the defenestration of traditional news outlets.
The CEO's defenestration of the old branding was a bold move.
Critics warned that the policy's defenestration could backfire.
Similar words
rejection
dismissal
abolition
discard
elimination
ouster
Etymology
From Neo‑Latin de fenestra, meaning ‘out of a window’.
FAQ
What does defenestration mean?
It is the act of throwing someone or something out of a window, and also a figurative term for a sudden rejection of an idea or policy.
Is defenestration a verb or a noun?
In English it is a noun; the verb form is defenestrate.
Where does defenestration come from?
It derives from Neo‑Latin de fenestra, literally ‘out of a window’.
Can defenestration be used figuratively?
Yes, it can describe the abrupt removal or rejection of an idea, policy, or system.
What is an example of literal defenestration?
The protester’s defenestration during the demonstration shocked onlookers.
What is an example of figurative defenestration?
The company’s defenestration of the old branding was announced yesterday.
Is defenestration common in everyday language?
It is uncommon and usually appears in historical or figurative contexts.
Are there any synonyms for defenestration?
For the literal sense synonyms include ejection, toss, throw, while for the figurative sense synonyms include rejection, dismissal, abolition.
Comments & contributions
Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.