Effigy
/ˈɛfɪdʒi/
nounB2
Definition
An effigy is a figure or statue that looks like a real person. People often make effigies to show their feelings, especially when they are angry or want to protest. Sometimes, effigies are burned or destroyed as a way to express dislike or disagreement.
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See It in Action
A model or figure representing a person
- •The protesters made an effigy of the mayor to show their anger.
- •The effigy was displayed in the town square during the festival.
- •Artists sometimes create effigies to honor important people.
A symbol used to express strong feelings like anger or protest
- •They burned the effigy to protest against the new law.
- •The effigy represented the unpopular leader during the demonstration.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "effigy" like "doll," but made to look like a real person and used for strong feelings, not for play
- ✓Picture a large figure made of straw or wood that looks like a person, standing outside during a protest
- ✓It's the feeling when people want to show anger or disagreement without hurting a real person
- ✓Sounds like "EFF-ih-jee" → imagine "effort" + "image" → a carefully made image of someone
- ✓Think of a story where people make a figure of a leader they dislike and burn it to show protest
- ✓NOT like "portrait" (a picture on paper or canvas)—an effigy is a 3D figure you can touch and sometimes burn
- ✓NOT like "puppet" (used for entertainment)—an effigy is used to express strong emotions or ideas
- ✓NOT like "statue" (usually for respect or art)—an effigy can show respect but often shows anger or protest
Try Other Words
- •Statue: a carved or cast figure of a person or animal (Use when the figure is meant to honor or decorate, not to protest)
- •Model: a small or simple copy of something (Use when talking about a smaller or less emotional representation)
- •Puppet: a figure controlled by hand or strings (Use when the figure is used for entertainment or storytelling)
- •Idol: a figure worshipped or loved (Use when the figure is for respect or religious reasons)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "effigy" comes as a whole word, no clear prefix or suffix
- •Etymology: From Latin "effigies," meaning "image" or "likeness"
- •Historical development: Originally used in Latin for any image or portrait, later used in English for figures representing people, especially in protests
- •Modern usage: Used for figures made to look like people, often in political or cultural protests, or in ceremonies where the figure may be burned or destroyed
Reflect & Connect
•How do people use effigies to express feelings without hurting others?
•Can creating an effigy be a peaceful way to show disagreement, or can it cause more problems?
Fill in the blanks
1.People often create an effigy when they want to ___ strong feelings about a person or idea.
2.Burning an effigy usually shows ___ or protest against someone or something.
3.An effigy is different from a portrait because it is a ___ figure you can touch.
4.During festivals, an effigy might be ___ as part of a tradition or ceremony.
5.Unlike a puppet, an effigy is not used for ___ but to express emotions or ideas.
6.When protesters make an effigy, they usually want to show their ___ clearly.
7.An effigy is typically made to look like a ___ person, not an animal or object.