Mass murder: meaning, definitions and examples

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mass murder

 

[ ˈmæs ˈmɜːrdər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

crime

The act of killing a large number of people, typically at the same time and in the same place, often carried out by a single individual or a group.

Synonyms

genocide, massacre, slaughter

Examples of usage

  • His brutal mass murder shocked the entire community.
  • The investigation revealed that it was a planned mass murder.
  • The history of humanity is stained with instances of mass murder.
Context #2 | Noun

psychology

The deliberate and indiscriminate killing of multiple individuals by a single perpetrator, usually in a public place.

Synonyms

mass killing, rampage

Examples of usage

  • The psychiatrist studied the psychology behind mass murder.
  • The motive behind the mass murder remains unclear.
  • The media coverage of mass murders can influence public perception.

Translations

Translations of the word "mass murder" in other languages:

🇵🇹 assassinato em massa

🇮🇳 सामूहिक हत्या

🇩🇪 Massenmord

🇮🇩 pembunuhan massal

🇺🇦 масове вбивство

🇵🇱 masowe morderstwo

🇯🇵 大量殺人 (たいりょうさつじん)

🇫🇷 meurtre de masse

🇪🇸 asesinato en masa

🇹🇷 toplu katliam

🇰🇷 대량 살인 (daeryang salin)

🇸🇦 القتل الجماعي (al-qatl al-jama'i)

🇨🇿 masová vražda

🇸🇰 masová vražda

🇨🇳 大规模谋杀 (dàguīmóu shāshā)

🇸🇮 množični umor

🇮🇸 fjöldamorð

🇰🇿 жаппай кісі өлтіру

🇬🇪 მასობრივი მკვლელობა (masobrivi mk'vleloba)

🇦🇿 kütləvi qətl

🇲🇽 asesinato en masa

Word origin

The term 'mass murder' originated in the mid-16th century, derived from the combination of 'mass' meaning large quantity and 'murder' meaning the unlawful killing of a person. Throughout history, instances of mass murder have been documented in various contexts, ranging from wartime atrocities to acts of terrorism. The study of mass murder has become a significant focus in criminology, psychology, and sociology, aiming to understand the motives and patterns behind such heinous crimes.