What does stoning mean?
“Stoning” denotes the act of throwing stones at someone or something, often as an attack, persecution, or means of execution. As a verb form, it most commonly appears in reports of collective violence, as when a crowd is accused of stoning police or protesters. As a noun, it can refer both to a particular attack involving stones and, especially in historical and religious contexts, to a prescribed punishment carried out by pelting a person with stones. The word can therefore describe a method of physical violence as well as a mode of collective punishment. It is especially significant in accounts of ancient Near Eastern law and in texts concerning the martyrdom or attempted execution of prophets and other religious figures. In modern reporting, “stoning” usually signals a grave act of brutality rather than casual mischief.
To strike, pelt, or kill someone or something with stones.
"Several officers were injured when rioters began stoning them."
This is the present participle of “stone” and is commonly used in news reports of collective violence.
The act of pelting someone with stones or subjecting someone to death by stones.
"The stoning was stopped by the intervention of the crowd."
The noun often has a historical or religious sense, while modern usage may describe collective violence or persecution.
The plural is rare; separate instances may be described as “stonings,” but the singular is much more usual.
"The historical record describes repeated stonings of political prisoners."
From an ancient legal punishment to a powerful modern image of collective violence, “stoning” turns an ordinary stone into an instrument of force.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stoning come from?
The word derives from the Old English “stān,” meaning stone, with “-ing” forming the present participle and gerund. The verbal use developed from the older meaning of “stone,” namely to strike with a stone, while the associated noun developed later from that action. The root also produced forms such as “stony” and compounds including “cornerstone” and “keystone,” while cognates appear in several Germanic languages.
Related word forms
How stoning is actually used
The word is most often encountered as the present participle of “stone” and in historical or religious descriptions of execution by stones. Its use for collective violence or persecution is serious and potentially inflammatory.
Easily confused with stoning
“Stoning” involves stones, whereas “stunning” means surprising someone or rendering them unconscious by a blow.
“Stoning” refers to the use of stones, while “stinking” refers to a strong unpleasant smell.