burke

¹

[ burk ]

verb (used with object)

, burked, burk·ing.

1. to murder, as by suffocation, so as to leave no or few marks of violence.
2. to suppress or get rid of by some indirect maneuver.

Burke

²

[ burk ]

noun

1. Billie Mary William Ethelbert Appleton Burke, 1886–1970, U.S. actress.
2. Edmund, 1729–97, Irish statesman, orator, and writer.
3. Kenneth Du·va [doo-, vuh], 1897–1993, U.S. literary critic.

Burke

¹

/ bɜːk /

noun

1. BurkeEdmund17291797MBritishPOLITICS: statesmanPOLITICS: political theoristPOLITICS: orator Edmund . 1729–97, British Whig statesman, conservative political theorist, and orator, born in Ireland: defended parliamentary government and campaigned for a more liberal treatment of the American colonies; denounced the French Revolution
2. BurkeRobert O'Hara18201861MIrishTRAVEL AND EXPLORATION: explorer Robert O'Hara . 1820–61, Irish explorer, who led the first expedition (1860–61) across Australia from south to north. He was accompanied by W. J. Wills, George Grey, and John King; King alone survived the return journey
3. BurkeWilliam17921829MIrishCRIME AND POLICING: murdererCRIME AND POLICING: bodysnatcher William . 1792–1829, Irish murderer and body snatcher; associate of William Hare

burke

²

/ bɜːk /

verb

1. to murder in such a way as to leave no marks on the body, usually by suffocation
2. to get rid of, silence, or suppress

Other Words From

• burker burk·ite [bur, -kahyt], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of burke¹

After W. Burke, hanged in 1829 in Edinburgh for murders of this kind

Word History and Origins

Origin of burke¹

C19: named after William Burke , executed in Edinburgh for a murder of this type

Example Sentences

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,” John F. Kennedy warned as he misquoted Edmund Burke.

From Salon

Darcy Burke, president and chief executive of the business consulting firm WaterMark Associates, said the comments by some that Hagekhalil is a “good leader” are irrelevant to investigating the complaints against him.

From Los Angeles Times

For Georganne Burke, the Republicans Overseas chapter leader for Canada, it’s no surprise that some Trump supporters don’t speak publicly about him.

From BBC

Known for her musical talents since her X Factor days, Burke takes on a more serious role as a complex character who doesn't always make the right decisions.

From BBC

Jeannine Burke and Kelly Brown, from Manchester, told the BBC the government's recent ban on zombie knives "does not go far enough".

From BBC

Related Words

• abolish
• censor
• conceal
• contain
• cover up
• crack down on
• crush
• curb
• cut off
• muzzle
• overcome
• overthrow
• put an end to
• put down
• quash
• quell
• quench
• repress
• silence
• snuff out