Slaughter - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Slaughter refers to the killing of animals for food or the brutal killing of people, often in large numbers. It can also describe a decisive defeat in sports or battle.
Definition:
The killing of animals for food or the brutal killing of many people.
Synonyms:
massacre, butchery, carnage
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
protect, spare
Common Collocations:
slaughter animals, mass slaughter, brutal slaughter
Derivatives:
slaughterer, slaughterhouse
Usage Tips:
Use "slaughter" for large-scale or brutal killings; avoid for casual or minor contexts.
Common Phrases:
like lambs to the slaughter, slaughter of the innocents
Etymology:
From Old Norse "slátr," meaning butcher's meat; related to "slay."
Examples:
- 1. The farmers slaughtered the pigs for market.
- 2. The battle resulted in the slaughter of thousands.
- 3. She couldn’t bear to watch the animal slaughter.
- 4. The dictator ordered the slaughter of his enemies.