Carnage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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carnage
[ˈkɑːrnɪdʒ ]
Definitions
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.
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| massacre |
Implies the brutal and widespread killing of many people, typically those who are defenseless or unresisting. Often has a historical or emotional connotation.
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| 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.
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| bloodshed |
Refers to the act or fact of killing or wounding people, commonly used in contexts involving violence, conflict, and war.
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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.
violent event
Carnage can also be used to describe a violent event that causes widespread damage and destruction, often with high casualties.
Synonyms
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.
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| devastation |
This word is best used to describe severe destruction or damage, usually on a large scale, such as after a natural disaster.
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| 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.
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| chaos |
Use this word to describe a situation of complete disorder and confusion, often when things are out of control.
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Examples of usage
- The terrorist attack resulted in carnage among the innocent civilians.
- The hurricane caused carnage along the coast, destroying homes and infrastructure.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'carnage'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word carnage originated from the Middle French word 'carnage', which means slaughter or flesh. It first appeared in English in the late 16th century. The term has been commonly used to depict scenes of brutal and extensive killing, often in the context of warfare or disasters.