gehängt

Gehängt is a German term that translates to "hanged" in English. It refers to the act of executing a person by suspending them by the neck with a rope until death occurs. This method of execution has a long and varied history across different cultures and time periods. Historically, hanging was a common form of capital punishment in many parts of the world, including Europe and North America. It was often carried out publicly as a deterrent.

The mechanics of hanging involve the suspension of a person, causing pressure on the neck and a disruption of blood flow and/or air supply to the brain. The effectiveness and speed of death can depend on factors such as the height of the drop, the type of knot used, and the physical characteristics of the individual. In some instances, a rapid drop was intended to cause a cervical fracture, leading to a quicker death. In other cases, death might occur more slowly due to asphyxiation.

In modern times, hanging has largely been replaced by other methods of execution in many countries. Its use as a form of capital punishment is now rare, and in many jurisdictions, it is considered a cruel and unusual punishment. The term "gehängt" therefore primarily refers to historical instances of execution by this method.