Meaning
executioner, tormentor
- a person who carries out an execution; executioner
- a cruel person who torments or oppresses others
In a sentence
La vittima ha perdonato il proprio carnefice durante il processo.
The victim forgave their tormentor during the trial.
Non voglio fare la parte del carnefice in questa situazione.
I don't want to play the part of the tormentor in this situation.
Chi era il carnefice che ha ordinato quelle torture?
Who was the executioner who ordered those tortures?
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| carnefice | masculine · singular |
| carnefici | masculine · plural |
Usage notes
- Commonly used figuratively in modern Italian for someone who inflicts suffering or guilt.
- Takes masculine or feminine agreement depending on the person, but traditionally masculine.