Mass murder: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is used when describing the killing of a large number of people where the victims are often chosen indiscriminately. It often happens in a single location over a short period of time.

• The police are investigating the mass murder that took place in the small town.
• The event was described as a horrific mass murder of innocent bystanders.

A massacre generally refers to a brutal and indiscriminate killing of a large number of people, often in a particularly violent manner. It is commonly associated with a strategic or military attack.

• Villagers were horrified by the news of the massacre in the nearby town.
• The historical event is remembered as a tragic massacre of innocent lives.

Slaughter typically conveys a vivid, gruesome image of killing large numbers of people or animals, often implying brutality and lack of humanity. It can sometimes carry a more negative connotation compared to 'massacre'.

• The battlefield was a scene of unimaginable slaughter.
• Critical reports highlight the slaughter of civilians during the attack.

Genocide refers to the systematic and intentional destruction of a particular ethnic, racial, or cultural group. It involves deliberate actions aimed at wiping out an entire group.

• The international community condemned the genocide that occurred during the conflict.
• Survivors of the genocide were granted asylum in several countries.

Used to describe the intentional and unlawful killing of a large number of people. Usually implies premeditation and is often associated with crimes against humanity or war crimes.

• The dictator was responsible for the mass murder of thousands of political dissidents.
• Historians have studied the mass murder of minorities during the conflict.

Refers to the act of killing many individuals in a short period of time. It may not necessarily imply premeditation or legal context as strong as 'mass murder'. It could be used in contexts such as natural disasters or accidents.

• The earthquake caused a mass killing as buildings collapsed.
• There was a mass killing at the concert due to a sudden fire outbreak.

Describes a violent and uncontrollable behavior resulting in multiple deaths or destruction. Typically associated with a short duration event and one or several attackers causing chaos.

• The gunman went on a rampage, leaving several people injured and many properties damaged.
• Panic spread through the city as a wild animal went on a rampage.