Definition
吊死 (diào sǐ) is a resultative verb compound meaning 'to hang to death' — used both transitively (e.g., a ruler executing someone by hanging) and intransitively (e.g., committing suicide by hanging). The base verb 吊 'to hang' plus 死 'to die' produces a fixed meaning that is distinct from either character alone. Note that the dictionary gloss given in the source ('present offerings to the deceased') is incorrect for this word; the correct equivalent is 'to hang (to death)'.
v.
to hang (someone) to death (transitive)to die by hangingto commit suicide by hanging (intransitive)
Examples
- 吊死。Gǔdài yǒu xiē fànrén bèi diào sǐ zài chéngmén wài.In ancient times, some criminals were hanged outside the city gate.
- 吊死。Tīng shuō tā zài yù zhōng diào sǐ le.It is said he hanged himself in prison.
- 吊死。Zhège bàojūn céng xiàlìng diào sǐ le xǔduō wúgū bǎixìng.This tyrant once ordered many innocent people to be hanged.
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