Phrase guide

bill of attainder

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A legislative determination imposing punishment without trial.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: law

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

a legislative act finding a person guilty of treason or felony without a trial

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • bills of attainder are prohibited by the Constitution of the United States

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: bill, measure

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.