Lynching refers to the act of extrajudicial killing, often by a mob, typically carried out without legal authority or due process. This violent practice has historically targeted marginalized groups, particularly African Americans in the United States, and is often motivated by racial hatred or social control. The term is most commonly associated with the Jim Crow era, when thousands of African Americans were lynched, often in public spectacles. Lynching served as a means of instilling fear and maintaining white supremacy, leaving a lasting impact on American society and contributing to ongoing discussions about racial injustice and civil rights.