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Definition of carnifex
carnifex
/ˈkɑːr.nɪ.fɛks/
car · ni · fex
Plural:carnifices
carnifex Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
13
Tier
3
Usage
Archaic
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• 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
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 Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/carnifex