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Genocidal: meaning, definitions and examples

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genocidal

 

[ ˌdʒɛnəˈsaɪdəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

extreme violence

The term 'genocidal' refers to actions or behaviors that seek to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. It denotes a severe violation of human rights and is often associated with organized and systematic efforts. Genocidal acts can include mass killings, forced displacement, and attacks on cultural and religious symbols. The use of 'genocidal' highlights the gravity and moral atrocity of such actions, distinguishing them from other forms of violence.

Synonyms

exterminate, holocaustal, murderous

Examples of usage

  • The genocidal campaign aimed to exterminate the entire population.
  • Several nations condemned the genocidal policies enacted by the regime.
  • Genocidal acts often leave lasting scars on societies.
  • International law seeks to prevent genocidal actions.

Translations

Translations of the word "genocidal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 genocida

🇮🇳 जातिवाद

🇩🇪 völkermörderisch

🇮🇩 genosida

🇺🇦 геноцидний

🇵🇱 ludobójczy

🇯🇵 ジェノサイドの

🇫🇷 génocidaire

🇪🇸 genocida

🇹🇷 soykırımcı

🇰🇷 집단 학살의

🇸🇦 إبادة جماعية

🇨🇿 genocidální

🇸🇰 genocídny

🇨🇳 种族灭绝的

🇸🇮 genocidni

🇮🇸 fjölmörkunar

🇰🇿 геноцидтік

🇬🇪 გენოციდური

🇦🇿 genosid

🇲🇽 genocida

Word origin

The term 'genocidal' is derived from the root word 'genocide,' which was coined in 1944 by Polish-Jewish lawyer Raphael Lemkin. He developed the term by combining the Greek word 'genos,' meaning 'race' or 'family,' with the Latin 'cide,' meaning 'to kill.' Lemkin’s motivation came from his desire to describe the systematic destruction of groups, particularly in relation to the atrocities committed during World War II and the Holocaust. The concept quickly gained legal recognition in the aftermath of WWII, especially with the establishment of the Genocide Convention in 1948. The word 'genocidal' has since become an integral part of discussions surrounding war crimes, crimes against humanity, and international humanitarian law. Its use is critical in fostering awareness of the need to combat impunity for such severe violations of human rights and to hold perpetrators accountable.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,564, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.