Guillotine (Noun)
Meaning 1
Instrument of execution that consists of a weighted blade between two vertical poles; used for beheading people.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Related Words
Meaning 2
Closure imposed on the debate of specific sections of a bill.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The committee chairperson invoked the guillotine to cut off further discussion on the contentious clause.
- Opponents of the bill argued that the guillotine was being used to stifle debate on key issues.
- The guillotine was imposed on the debate after several hours of contentious discussion.
- Lawmakers were given a limited time to discuss the amendments before the guillotine fell.
- The guillotine was used to bring a swift end to the debate on the bill's most divisive provisions.