capital punishment
US /ˈkæp.ɪ.təl ˈpʌn.ɪʃ.mənt/
UK /ˈkæp.ɪ.təl ˈpʌn.ɪʃ.mənt/
1.
the legally authorized killing of someone as punishment for a crime
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Many countries have abolished capital punishment.
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The debate over capital punishment continues worldwide.