slaughter

 
Pronunciation: /ˈslɔːtə/

verb

[with object]
  • kill (animals) for food: the animals have been slaughtered according to Islamic laws
  • kill (people or animals) in a cruel or violent way, typically in large numbers: innocent civilians are being slaughtered
  • informal defeat (an opponent) thoroughly: the first team were slaughtered

noun

[mass noun]
  • the killing of animals for food: thousands of calves were exported to the continent for slaughter
  • the killing of a large number of people or animals in a cruel or violent way: the slaughter of 20 peaceful demonstrators
  • [count noun] informal a thorough defeat: a magnificent 5-0 slaughter of Coventry

Derivatives

slaughterer

noun

slaughterous

adjective

Origin:

Middle English (as a noun): from Old Norse slátr 'butcher's meat'; related to slay1. The verb dates from the mid 16th century