Barabbas

noun

Ba·​rab·​bas bə-ˈra-bəs How to pronounce Barabbas (audio)
: a prisoner according to Matthew, Mark, and John released in preference to Christ at the demand of the multitude

Examples of Barabbas in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Only the brutish Barabbas (Lupin’s Omar Sy) leaves unchained. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Jan. 2024 Clarence teams up with Elijah, his friend Dirty Zeke (Caleb McLaughlin) and the gladiator Barabbas (Omar Sy) to spread their word across the region. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Jan. 2024 But instead the religious leaders ask for Barabbas, a murderer and insurrectionist. Lauren Green, Fox News, 4 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Barabbas.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Greek, from Aramaic Bar-abba

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Barabbas was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near Barabbas

Cite this Entry

“Barabbas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Barabbas. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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