Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
auto-da-fe
noun
/ˌɔːtəʊdəˈfeɪ/
Definition
A public ceremony held in Spain and Portuguese territories during the Inquisition, where condemned heretics were executed or punished.
Examples
- The auto-da-fe was a somber event that attracted large crowds, many of whom were there to witness the punishments meted out to the accused.
- In history classes, we studied the cultural implications of the auto-da-fe on society during the 16th century.
Meaning
The term ‘auto-da-fe’ literally translates to ‘act of faith,’ referring to the act of believers demonstrating their faith, which often took the grim form of the Inquisition’s judicial proceedings.
Synonyms
- Inquisition ceremony
- Judicial punishment
