# lynch

> English word · Verb · IPA /lɪnt͡ʃ/ · frequency rank #7,812

## Definitions
1. To execute (somebody) without a proper legal trial or procedure, especially by hanging and backed by a mob.
2. To castigate severely.

## Etymology
First attested 1835, from Lynch law, which appeared in 1811. There is a popular claim that it was named after William Lynch, but equally strong arguments would have it named after Charles Lynch. For the surname, see Lynch. Ultimately a possible doublet of linch.

## Easily confused with
- **Lynn** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lynch-vs-lynn)
- **lynx** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lynch-vs-lynx)
- **lyn** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lyn-vs-lynch)
- **loch** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/loch-vs-lynch)
- **lunch** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lunch-vs-lynch)
- **lance** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lance-vs-lynch)
- **latch** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/latch-vs-lynch)
- **leach** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/leach-vs-lynch)
- **lymph** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lymph-vs-lynch)
- **leech** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/leech-vs-lynch)
- **lurch** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lurch-vs-lynch)
- **launch** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/launch-vs-lynch)

## Common misspellings (9)
`llynch`, `lnych`, `lycnh`, `lyncch`, `lynchh`, `lynhc`, `lynnch`, `lyynch`, `ylnch`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/lynch