show trial

noun

1. (especially in a totalitarian state) the public trial of a political offender conducted chiefly for propagandistic purposes, as to suppress further dissent against the government by making an example of the accused.

show trial

noun

1. a trial conducted primarily to make a particular impression on the public or on other nations, esp one that demonstrates the power of the state over the individual

Word History and Origins

Origin of show trial¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The great thing about a show trial is that you pick your witnesses and questions.

From The Daily Beast

The Orange Revolution heroine gets seven years and a $180 million fine in state show trial.

From The Daily Beast

Oatis was then snatched away, subjected to a show trial, and jailed.

From The Daily Beast

The purge may hesitate at putting John McCain on show trial.

From The Daily Beast

There is a special show trial awaiting Lindsay Graham of South Carolina and Phil Gramm of UBS.

From The Daily Beast