Pronunciation: [nˈɔ͡ɪe͡ɪd] (IPA) 
Noyade is a French word that refers to drowning or suffocation by water. Its spelling can be a bit tricky for English speakers, as the "d" at the end is not pronounced. The correct phonetic transcription is /nwajad/, with a silent "d" sound at the end. The first syllable is pronounced like "new", the second like "wad", and the final "e" is not pronounced. In English, the word can also be spelled "noyed", though this is less common.
Noyade is a term of French origin that refers to a method of execution specifically associated with the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. The word itself translates to "drowning" in English. The noyade was a form of mass execution in which individuals, typically those opposed to or suspected of opposing the revolution, were tied together and thrown into bodies of water to drown. It was a punishment widely used by the Revolutionary Tribunal, the body responsible for issuing death sentences during that time.
The noyade was a particularly brutal method of execution that aimed to evoke fear and intimidation among the population. It was often seen as a quicker and cheaper alternative to other methods of execution like beheading, which required the use of a guillotine. The victims of noyades would be bound with ropes or chains, forming a group known as a "boatload," before being thrown into rivers, lakes, or the sea.
The noyades were a symbol of the extreme violence and repression that characterized the Reign of Terror. Their purpose was not only to eliminate opponents of the revolution but also to send a clear message to anyone thinking of challenging the new regime. The noyades were closely associated with the revolutionary leader Jean-Baptiste Carrier, who ordered massive drownings, particularly in the city of Nantes.
Today, the term "noyade" is predominantly used in historical contexts to describe this form of execution during the French Revolution. Its usage is important in understanding the violent and tumultuous period of the Reign of Terror and the methods used to suppress dissent.
The word "noyade" is of French origin and its etymology can be traced back to the Old French verb "noier" which means "to drown". "Noyade" is derived from this verb and refers to a form of execution by drowning, typically associated with the French Revolution. It was a method used to punish individuals during that time, particularly those who were considered enemies of the revolution. The word itself signifies the act of drowning as a means of execution.
