Carnage: meaning, definitions and examples

💥

Add to dictionary

carnage

[ˈkɑːrnɪdʒ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

scenes of destruction

The word carnage refers to the widespread and bloody slaughter of many people, especially in battle. It can also describe a scene of violent and extensive killing or destruction.

Synonyms

bloodshed, massacre, slaughter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
carnage	Used to describe large-scale violent destruction or killing, often in battlefields or war zones. The battlefield was a scene of utter carnage after the intense fighting. The movie depicted the carnage of ancient wars with brutal realism.
massacre	Implies the brutal and widespread killing of many people, typically those who are defenseless or unresisting. Often has a historical or emotional connotation. The historic site is a reminder of the terrible massacre that occurred there. The soldiers were accused of committing a massacre in the village.
slaughter	Used for the violent killing of living beings, usually animals for food, but can also describe humans in the context of brutal and excessive killing. The slaughter of innocent civilians was condemned by the international community. He worked at a facility that specialized in the slaughter of livestock.
bloodshed	Refers to the act or fact of killing or wounding people, commonly used in contexts involving violence, conflict, and war. The peace treaty aimed to end years of bloodshed. The community was shocked by the sudden outbreak of bloodshed.

Examples of usage

The battlefield was a scene of carnage, with bodies strewn everywhere.
The aftermath of the earthquake left a trail of carnage in the city.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

violent event

Carnage can also be used to describe a violent event that causes widespread damage and destruction, often with high casualties.

Synonyms

chaos, devastation, mayhem.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
carnage	This word is used to describe a scene of great destruction and bloodshed, often in a violent context, such as in war or a brutal attack. The battlefield was a scene of utter carnage, with bodies scattered everywhere. The terrorist attack left a trail of carnage across the city.
devastation	This word is best used to describe severe destruction or damage, usually on a large scale, such as after a natural disaster. The hurricane caused widespread devastation across the coastal towns. The economic crisis left a trail of devastation in its wake.
mayhem	This word describes a situation of rowdy or violent disorder, often involving a lot of people and confusion. It can sometimes have a slightly chaotic but less severe connotation than carnage. The protest led to mayhem in the streets as demonstrators clashed with police. Black Friday sales often result in mayhem as shoppers rush to grab deals.
chaos	Use this word to describe a situation of complete disorder and confusion, often when things are out of control. The sudden storm created chaos at the airport, with flights being delayed and passengers stranded. After the announcement of the new policy, the office descended into chaos as everyone tried to figure out how it would affect them.

Examples of usage

The terrorist attack resulted in carnage among the innocent civilians.
The hurricane caused carnage along the coast, destroying homes and infrastructure.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'carnaticum', meaning 'butchered flesh', which set the tone for its meaning.
The term has been used since the 15th century to describe a scene of great destruction or slaughter.
In French, 'carnage' literally relates to 'flesh', emphasizing the gruesome aspect of violence.

War History

The word is often associated with the violence of war, highlighting the tragic loss of life in battles throughout history.
Famous battles like the Battle of Verdun in World War I resulted in significant carnage, with hundreds of thousands of casualties.
The use of modern technology in warfare has led to discussions on how this increases the scale of carnage in conflicts.

Pop Culture

In movies like 'Saving Private Ryan', scenes of carnage depict the grim realities of battle and the human cost of war.
Video games often feature carnage as a central theme, showing exaggerated violence and allowing players to engage in dramatic scenarios.
The term is also used metaphorically in music and art to describe the chaos and destruction of modern life.

Psychology

Research suggests that exposure to stories involving carnage can desensitize individuals to violence, creating complex psychological effects.
The depiction of carnage in media can evoke strong emotional responses, ranging from fear to fascination.
Studies show that people are often drawn to narratives of carnage as they reveal deeper truths about human nature and conflict.

Literature

Classic literature often explores themes of carnage, reflecting on the moral implications of war and destruction.
Authors like Shakespeare used scenes of carnage to highlight the tragic consequences of ambition and power struggles in works like 'Macbeth'.
Modern novels frequently incorporate elements of carnage to comment on societal issues and human behavior in times of crisis.

Translations

Translations of the word "carnage" in other languages:

🇵🇹 carnificina

🇮🇳 हत्याकांड

🇩🇪 Gemetzel

🇮🇩 pembantaian

🇺🇦 різанина

🇵🇱 rzeź

🇯🇵 虐殺 (ぎゃくさつ)

🇫🇷 carnage

🇪🇸 carnicería

🇹🇷 katliam

🇰🇷 살육

🇸🇦 مجزرة

🇨🇿 masakr

🇸🇰 masaker

🇨🇳 大屠杀

🇸🇮 pokol

🇮🇸 blóðbað

🇰🇿 қырғын

🇬🇪 ჟლეტა

🇦🇿 qırğın

🇲🇽 carnicería

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,689, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
18686 redefined
18687 kindling
18688 whooping
18689 carnage
18690 ordinal
18691 patterning
18692 drunkard
...