noun, verbfemininepl: guillotines / guilhotinas
guilhotina
1. A device consisting of a heavy blade suspended between two posts, used historically for executing people by decapitation
During the French Revolution, thousands were executed by the guillotine.
Durante a Revolução Francesa, milhares foram executados pela guilhotina.
2. A machine or device with a heavy descending blade used to cut or trim materials like paper, metal, or cloth
The printer uses a guillotine to cut the paper to the correct size.
A impressora usa uma guilhotina para cortar o papel no tamanho correto.
3. To cut, trim, or execute with a guillotine or as if with one
The tailor will guillotine the excess fabric from the edges.
A costureira vai guilhotinar o tecido em excesso das bordas.
4. To summarily end or terminate something abruptly
The government plans to guillotine the controversial program.
O governo planeja encerrar abruptamente o programa controverso.
The guillotine is primarily associated with the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror (1793-1794). In modern usage, the term is most commonly found in historical contexts, machinery terminology, and metaphorical language referring to abrupt endings or severe punishments. In Brazilian and Portuguese cultures, the word maintains its historical significance while also being a standard technical term in industrial and printing sectors.
Related Idioms & Phrases
under the guillotine - facing imminent punishment or dismissal
fall to the guillotine - to be summarily executed or terminated
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