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Slaughter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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slaughter

[หˆslษ”หtษ™ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal farming

The killing of animals for food; butchery.

Synonyms

butchery, carnage, massacre.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
slaughter

Used primarily to refer to the killing of animals for food. It can also describe large-scale, violent killing of people, often with a sense of brutality and lack of mercy.

  • The farmer prepared for the cattle slaughter.
  • The battle turned into a brutal slaughter.
butchery

Often associated with the profession of cutting and selling meat but can also describe a violent scene with dismemberment and extreme violence. It may carry a sense of unprofessionalism or extreme violence when referring to people.

  • He owns a small butchery downtown.
  • The crime scene was a butchery, with bodies scattered everywhere.
carnage

Used to describe a scene with extreme destruction and mass killing, often in a context like war or a severe disaster. This word carries a strong negative connotation.

  • The battlefield was a scene of unimaginable carnage.
  • The aftermath of the bombing left nothing but carnage.
massacre

Refers to the indiscriminate and brutal killing of a large number of people, usually with a strong emphasis on the horror and unjustness of the event.

  • The historical event is remembered as a tragic massacre.
  • Survivors recounted the horrors of the massacre.

Examples of usage

  • Slaughter of livestock is a common practice in the meat industry.
  • The slaughter of pigs is typically done in a slaughterhouse.
Context #2 | Verb

violent killing

To kill (people or animals) in a violent way, typically in large numbers.

Synonyms

kill, mass murder, massacre.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
slaughter

Typically used to describe the killing of animals for food or a large number of entities in a particularly violent manner. It can also describe a brutal or ruthless large-scale killing of people but can carry a negative or gruesome connotation.

  • The farmers gathered to slaughter the cattle for the upcoming festival.
  • The battle resulted in the slaughter of many innocent civilians.
massacre

Describes the brutal, violent killing of many people or animals, often with an implication of needless cruelty or violence. This term carries a distinctly negative and horrific connotation.

  • The massacre of the villagers left the community in shock and grief.
  • The historical event was marked by a massacre that claimed thousands of lives.
kill

A general term for causing the death of an organism. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, from discussing the death of animals to human confrontations, and does not necessarily carry as strong a negative connotation as some of the other words.

  • The hunter aims to kill a deer for sport.
  • He was forced to kill the spider in his room.
mass murder

Refers specifically to the act of killing multiple people, typically in a single event, and usually implies a horrific and deliberate intent. It highlights the scale and premeditation of the act and carries a very strong negative connotation.

  • The criminal was charged with mass murder after the tragedy.
  • Mass murder during wartime remains one of the darkest chapters in history.

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers proceeded to slaughter the enemy troops.
  • The massacre in the village resulted in the slaughter of innocent civilians.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term comes from the Old English word 'sleaht', meaning 'a blow' or 'slay', which evolved to include killing animals.
  • Historically, various cultures have developed specific practices and ceremonies surrounding the act of slaughter to show respect for the animals.
  • In medieval Europe, certain slaughter practices were regulated by local laws to ensure humane treatment.

Culinary Practices

  • Different cultures have unique methods of slaughtering animals, often influenced by dietary laws and customs.
  • Certain types of meat, like kosher or halal, have strict guidelines on slaughtering to align with religious beliefs.
  • The process and methods of slaughtering can significantly impact the taste and quality of the meat.

Animal Rights and Ethics

  • There is an ongoing debate about animal rights, with advocates pushing for more humane treatment and alternatives to traditional slaughter.
  • Documentaries and exposรฉs have raised awareness about the conditions animals face in the slaughter industry.
  • Many movements encourage plant-based diets as alternatives to the ethical concerns of slaughter.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, slaughter is viewed as a necessary part of life, while in others, it may evoke strong opposition or cultural taboos.
  • Festivals in various cultures feature traditional slaughter practices, reflecting their agricultural roots.
  • Literature often portrays slaughter in both a pragmatic and emotional light, invoking empathy for animals.

Environmental Impact

  • The slaughter industry is linked to significant environmental issues, such as deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Sustainable farming practices are being explored to reduce the environmental footprint of animal agriculture.
  • Shifts toward plant-based diets have been suggested to mitigate the negative impacts associated with slaughter.

Origin of 'slaughter'

The word 'slaughter' originated from the Old Norse word 'slรกtr', meaning 'butchery'. The term has been used for centuries to refer to the killing of animals for food and, by extension, to violent killing in general. Slaughter has been a common practice in human history, with the development of slaughterhouses and more efficient butchery methods over time.

See also: manslaughter, slaughterhouse.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,268 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.