First Known Use: 1829
Dictionary
burke
verb \ˈbərk\
burkedburk·ing
Definition of BURKE
transitive verb
1
: to suppress quietly or indirectly <burke an inquiry>
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Origin of BURKE
from burke to suffocate, from William Burke †1829 Irish criminal executed for smothering victims to sell their bodies for dissection
Related to BURKE
- Synonyms
- suppress, cover (up), hush (up)
Burke
biographical name \ˈbərk\
Definition of BURKE
Edmund 1729–1797 British statesman & orator
— Burk·ean or Burk·ian \ˈbər-kē-ən\ adjective
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