Words / C2

dee-FEN-istr-ayt/ˌdiːˈfenɪstreɪt/

To defenestrate is to throw someone or something out of a window; also, informally, to remove someone from a post: defenestrate a chair, a dummy ranking defenestrated. To throw (already in the dictionary) is everyday sending through the air; a window (already in the dictionary) is the everyday opening, and to remove and to dismiss (already in the dictionary) are taking away, and sacking or rejecting. This batch: to abscond is to flee oneself, not to be thrown. A shove on the landing is theatre.

Meaning

To throw someone or something out of a window; also, informally, to remove someone from a post.

Examples

• “Defenestrate the dummy ranking in the minutes; a shove on the landing is theatre.”
• “To throw is everyday sending through the air (already in A1). A window is glass in the wall (already in A1). To remove is to take away (already in B1). To dismiss is to sack or reject (already in B2). To abscond is to flee in secret (this batch). A dated finding can still be dry. Heat on the stair is not a record. Put the dummy ranking in the minutes; then the shove.”

Good to know

Throw out of a window; oust. Everyday: throw / window (already in this dictionary). Close: remove (already in B1); dismiss (already in B2). This batch: abscond. A shove ≠ a minute.

Near in meaning

oust, eject, remove, throw out

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