gégène

Definitions

A form of electroshock torture, especially as used by the French during the Algerian War of 1954-1962, whereby electrodes are run from a field generator to parts of a victim's body.

historical, uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“It was a view⟳ that would not necessarily be shared by Algerians subjected to the gégène or having had their bellies pumped full of water during the Battle of Algiers.”

“The politicians were helpless. Paras used the gégène no matter⟳ how much politicians condemned it.”

“Refusing to answer⟳ questions about the political affiliations of various villagers, he was subjected to the gégène.”

CEFR level