Genocidal - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Genocidal refers to actions or policies intended to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, either wholly or in part. It describes extreme violence or systemic harm targeting specific populations.
Definition:
Relating to or involving the deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular nation or ethnicity.
Synonyms:
exterminatory, murderous, destructive, annihilative
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
humanitarian, protective
Common Collocations:
genocidal regime, genocidal intent, genocidal violence, genocidal campaign
Derivatives:
genocide, genocidally
Usage Tips:
Use "genocidal" to describe actions or policies aimed at destroying a specific group; avoid casual use due to its severe implications.
Common Phrases:
genocidal tendencies, genocidal acts, genocidal war
Etymology:
Derived from "genocide," coined in 1944 by Raphael Lemkin from Greek "genos" (race) and Latin "-cide" (killing).
Examples:
- 1. The dictator's genocidal policies targeted ethnic minorities.
- 2. Historians debate whether the conflict was truly genocidal in nature.
- 3. The UN condemned the regime for its genocidal actions.
- 4. Survivors testified about the genocidal atrocities they endured.