Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
iron-maiden
noun
/ˈaɪ.ən ˈmeɪ.dən/
Definition
A medieval torture device often depicted as a sarcophagus with spikes inside, designed to pierce the person placed within.
Examples
- The legend of the iron-maiden has fascinated historians for centuries.
- In popular culture, the term ‘iron-maiden’ has been used to describe tough situations or authoritarian figures.
Meaning
The term refers to a gruesome instrument of torture and is also used metaphorically to describe a harsh or cruel situation.
Synonyms
- torture device
- medieval instrument
- execution tool
