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Genocide: meaning, definitions and examples

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genocide

 

[ˈdʒɛnəsʌɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

history

The deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group.

Synonyms

extermination, holocaust, massacre.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
genocide

Used to describe the systematic and intentional destruction of an entire ethnic, national, racial, or religious group.

  • The international community condemned the genocide that took place during the conflict.
  • Historians are still studying the causes and consequences of the genocide.
massacre

Describes the brutal and indiscriminate killing of a large number of people, often civilians, in a single event.

  • The village was the site of a terrible massacre during the conflict.
  • Witnesses recalled the horror of the massacre that claimed so many lives.
holocaust

Specifically refers to the systematic genocide of six million Jews during World War II by Nazi Germany. It can also mean complete destruction or devastation by fire.

  • The Holocaust is one of the darkest periods in human history.
  • The wildfire caused a holocaust of the forest.
extermination

Refers to the complete destruction or elimination of a group, often used in the context of unwanted pests or, more negatively, for humans in a dehumanizing manner.

  • The regime initiated the extermination of political dissidents.
  • Efforts were made for the extermination of the invasive species.

Examples of usage

  • The genocide of the Armenian population by the Ottoman Empire during World War I.
  • The Holocaust, a genocide committed by the Nazis during World War II.
Context #2 | Noun

law

The international crime of deliberately killing a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group.

Synonyms

atrocities, ethnic cleansing, mass murder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
genocide

Use when referring to the deliberate and systematic extermination of a particular group of people, often based on ethnicity, religion, or nationality. It is a legal term often used in international law.

  • The international community was in outrage over the genocide committed during the conflict
ethnic cleansing

Use when describing the intentional and systematic removal of an ethnic or religious group from a particular area through various means such as forced displacement, intimidation, or even mass killing. It's a term often used in political and military contexts.

  • The international tribunal classified the acts as ethnic cleansing due to the targeted removal of the minority community
mass murder

Use when referring to the killing of a large number of people, generally in a single event or over a short period of time. It is less specific about the motive and can be used in various contexts, from criminal actions to acts of terrorism.

  • The mass murder at the concert was a horrifying tragedy
atrocities

Use when describing extremely cruel or inhuman acts, typically on a large scale, but not necessarily aimed at exterminating an entire group. This word has a broader and more general application and often carries a strong negative connotation.

  • The reports of atrocities committed during the war shocked the world

Examples of usage

  • The International Criminal Court has jurisdiction over cases of genocide.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Coined in 1944 by Polish-Jewish lawyer Raphael Lemkin, combining 'genus' (race or family) and 'cide' (killing).
  • The term gained official recognition in the aftermath of World War II, particularly after the Holocaust.

Historical Events

  • The Holocaust, where millions of Jews and others were systematically exterminated by Nazi Germany during World War II.
  • The Rwandan genocide of 1994 led to the brutal murder of an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus in just 100 days.
  • The Armenian genocide is recognized as one of the first modern genocides, occurring during World War I under the Ottoman Empire.

International Law

  • The United Nations Genocide Convention, established in 1948, defines genocide and seeks to prevent and punish such acts.
  • In 2007, the International Court of Justice ruled that genocide had occurred in Srebrenica during the Bosnian War.

Psychology

  • Studies show that dehumanization plays a significant role in the perpetration of genocide, as it allows individuals to justify their actions.
  • Propaganda is often used to rally public support for genocide, depicting targeted groups as less than human or as threats.

Cultural Impact

  • Film and literature often portray genocide to educate and memorialize, as seen in works like 'Hotel Rwanda' and 'Schindler's List.'
  • Art installations and museums around the world aim to preserve the memory of genocide victims and promote awareness.

Translations

Translations of the word "genocide" in other languages:

🇵🇹 genocídio

🇮🇳 नरसंहार

🇩🇪 Völkermord

🇮🇩 genosida

🇺🇦 геноцид

🇵🇱 ludobójstwo

🇯🇵 ジェノサイド

🇫🇷 génocide

🇪🇸 genocidio

🇹🇷 soykırım

🇰🇷 집단 학살

🇸🇦 إبادة جماعية

🇨🇿 genocida

🇸🇰 genocída

🇨🇳 种族灭绝

🇸🇮 genocid

🇮🇸 þjóðarmorð

🇰🇿 геноцид

🇬🇪 გენოციდი

🇦🇿 soyqırım

🇲🇽 genocidio

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,484, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.