effigy
What does "effigy" mean?
An effigy is a sculpture or model of a person, often created to express a specific sentiment toward that individual. The mental image is usually of a physical dummy or mannequin—often crudely made—that serves as a stand-in for a real person during a protest or a public display of disapproval. While the word can refer to a portrait or a sculpted figure on a tomb, it is most commonly encountered in news reports regarding "burning in effigy." This refers to the symbolic act of destroying the model to represent the total rejection or hatred of the person it represents. It is a highly formal and often politically charged term.
"effigy" in conversation
Discussing a protest
Did you see the news? The protesters were carrying a cardboard effigy of the CEO.
Did you see the news? The protesters were carrying a cardboard effigy of the CEO.
That is pretty intense, even for a demonstration.
That is pretty intense, even for a demonstration.
Used here to describe a physical protest prop.
Art history class
Observe the knight’s effigy carved onto the lid of the sarcophagus.
Observe the knight’s effigy carved onto the lid of the sarcophagus.
It looks incredibly lifelike for something from the 14th century.
It looks incredibly lifelike for something from the 14th century.
Used here in the historical context of funerary art.
"effigy" in a sentence
The crowd burned an effigy of the dictator in the town square.
The crowd burned an effigy of the dictator in the town square.
His political opponents often protest by marching with an effigy of him.
His political opponents often protest by marching with an effigy of him.
The marble effigy atop the tomb serves as a permanent memorial to the fallen queen.
The marble effigy atop the tomb serves as a permanent memorial to the fallen queen.
