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Definition of carnifex

carnifex

/ˈkɑːr.nɪ.fɛks/
car · ni · fex
Plural:carnifices
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carnifex Lexical Profile

carnifex Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A public executioner or hangman, particularly in ancient Rome.

Example

"The condemned prisoner was handed over to the carnifex for a swift and brutal execution in the public square."

2

A butcher or slaughterer of animals.

Example

"In medieval texts, the term was occasionally used to describe a common carnifex who prepared meat for the village."

3

A cruel, ruthless tormentor or tyrant.

Example

"The rebellious factions viewed the newly appointed governor not as a leader, but as a bloodthirsty carnifex."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for carnifex

• Nearby Words

carnal
carnation
carnie
carnifex
carnitas
carnival
carnivore

Word Origin & Etymology

From Latin 'carnifex' (executioner, butcher), derived from 'caro', 'carn-' (flesh) and the suffix '-fex' (maker, doer, from 'facere', to make or do).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Carnifex. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/carnifex
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