guillotine

A guillotine is a historical device used for executing people by beheading. It features a tall, upright frame with a heavy blade that drops down swiftly to sever the head of the condemned person. The guillotine became particularly infamous during the French Revolution as a symbol of radical justice and punishment. It was designed to be a more humane and efficient method of execution, ensuring a quick death. The term "guillotine" is now often used metaphorically to describe any situation where someone faces sudden or severe consequences without warning.