Definition

Noun: 1. A sculpture or model representing a person, often for symbolic or ceremonial purposes: An effigy is a three-dimensional representation, typically of a specific individual. It is commonly used in contexts of protest, commemoration, or decoration, such as on coins, statues, or tombs. 2. A crude figure representing a hated person: This meaning emphasizes the use of an effigy as a symbolic substitute for a person, often made to be destroyed in protest.

Examples of Usage

• The protesters burned an effigy of the political leader.
• The ancient coin bore an effigy of the king on one side.
• The museum displayed a wax effigy of the famous writer.
• His tomb was marked by a stone effigy lying atop it.

Advanced Usage

• "to burn/hang someone in effigy": This is a fixed phrase meaning to burn or hang a crude representation of a person as a public expression of anger or protest against them. The act is symbolic; the person themselves is not harmed.
  • The angry crowd burned the dictator in effigy.

Variants and Related Words

• Effigies (n): The plural form of "effigy".
  • The museum contained the effigies of several historical figures.

Synonyms

• Likeness: A representation that resembles the original person.
• Image: A visual representation, which can be two-dimensional (like a picture) or three-dimensional.
• Figure: A representation of a human form.
• Statue: A carved or cast figure of a person or animal, usually life-size or larger.
• Dummy: A model of a human, often used for display or practice (e.g., a crash-test dummy).

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• Burn/Hang someone in effigy: To destroy a crude doll or figure representing a despised person as an act of protest.
  • After the controversial decision, the coach was burned in effigy by disappointed fans.

Noun

1. a representation of a person (especially in the form of sculpture)
   • the coin bears an effigy of Lincoln
   • the emperor's tomb had his image carved in stone