Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
firing-squad
noun
/ˈfaɪərɪŋ skwɒd/
Definition
A group of soldiers assigned to shoot a person who has been sentenced to death, typically as a method of execution.
Examples
- The condemned prisoner faced the firing squad with a mix of bravery and fear.
- Historically, firing squads were a common method of execution in wartime settings.
- The firing squad was prepared, waiting for the signal to carry out the execution.
Meaning
In military contexts, a firing squad is used to carry out capital punishment through gunfire by multiple shooters targeting a single individual.
Synonyms
- execution team
- death squad
- shooting party
