Patrick Henry

5 4.9

An American leader in the Revolution known for saying 'Give me liberty or give me death'

proper noun
/ˈpætrɪk ˈhɛnri/

: Patrick Henry

As governor of Virginia, Patrick Henry played a key role in shaping the new nation.

Examples

Many students study Patrick Henry’s speeches to understand the rhetoric of the American Revolution.
Patrick Henry is best remembered for his bold declaration, “Give me liberty, or give me death!”
Patrick Henry was influential.
Patrick Henry inspired many!
Patrick Henry is known for his famous speech where he declared, 'Give me liberty, or give me death!'
As a prominent leader in the American Revolution, Patrick Henry rallied support against British rule.
Many consider Patrick Henry one of the most influential figures in American history.

Surface Forms

Patrick Henry main

Morphology

Patrick + Henry

This MWE is a proper name referring to a specific historical person, so its meaning (an American statesman and revolutionary-era orator) cannot be derived from the constituent words. Knowing the names 'Patrick' and 'Henry' does not provide the biographical or historical information required; identification of people is encyclopedic/world knowledge rather than compositional meaning.

Etymology

Patrick Henry was an American leader and powerful public speaker in the 1700s. He shouted the famous line 'Give me liberty, or give me death!' to urge people to stand against British rule, so his name is remembered for bold speeches and strong support for freedom.