Defenestration
Defenestration (from Modern Latin ) is the act of throwing someone out of a window. The term was coined around the time of an incident in Prague Castle in the year 1618 which became the spark that started the Thirty Years' War. This was done in "good Bohemian style", referring to the defenestration which had occurred in Prague's City Hall almost 200 years earlier (July 1419), which also on that occasion led to the Hussite war. The word comes from the New Latin "de-" ("down from") and "fenestra" (window or opening). By extension, the term is also used to  describe the forcible or peremptory removal of an adversary. Etymology. The term originates from two incidents in history, both occurring in Prague. In 1419, seven town officials were thrown from the Town Hall, precipitating the Hussite War. In 1618, two Imperial governors and their secretary were tossed from the Prague Castle, sparking the Thirty Years War. These incidents, particularly that in 1618, were referred to as the Defenestrations of Prague and gave rise to the term and the concept. Notable cases. Historically, the word "defenestration" referred to an act of political dissent. Notably, the Defenestrations of Prague in 1419 and  1618 helped to trigger prolonged conflict within Bohemia and beyond. Some Catholics ascribed the survival of those defenestrated at Prague Castle in 1618 to divine intervention. Notable autodefenestrations. "Autodefenestration" (or "self-defenestration") is the term used for the act of jumping, propelling oneself, or causing oneself to fall, out of a window.