Slaughtered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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slaughtered

[หˆslษ”หtษ™rd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past action

The term 'slaughtered' refers to the past tense of 'slaughter,' which means to kill animals for food. In a broader sense, it can also describe the act of killing someone in a brutal or violent manner. This term is often used in contexts related to farming, hunting, and even in discussions about violence in society. It can evoke strong emotions due to the graphic nature of the act it describes.

Synonyms

butchered, executed, massacred.

Examples of usage

  • The farmer slaughtered the livestock for the market.
  • During the war, many innocents were slaughtered.
  • The hunters slaughtered the deer after a long chase.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Practices

  • Many cultures have specific rituals or ceremonies around the act of slaughtering animals, often tied to spiritual beliefs.
  • In some traditions, such as in kosher or halal practices, slaughtering is performed in a specific manner to meet religious guidelines.

Historical Context

  • Historically, the slaughtering process was an essential part of survival in agrarian societies, often done seasonally.
  • Various societies have developed unique tools and methods for slaughtering, optimizing for efficiency and humane practices.

Animal Rights

  • Modern debates over how animals are slaughtered have sparked movements advocating for more humane treatment.
  • Various laws and regulations now guide slaughtering practices to ensure minimal suffering.

Nutrition and Food Security

  • The process of slaughtering is a significant step in meat production, affecting food supply chains worldwide.
  • Understanding slaughtering practices is crucial for discussions on food security and sustainable agriculture.

Origin of 'slaughtered'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'sleohtre,' which means to slaughter or kill.
  • It evolved over time through the Middle English 'slaughteren,' reflecting the act of purposeful killing.

The word 'slaughter' originates from the Old English term 'slihtan', related to the concept of 'slaying.' It has Germanic roots, and similar terms are found in Old Norse ('slรก') and Dutch ('slachten'). The early usage of the term predominantly referred to the killing of animals for food, emphasizing the practice in agricultural societies where food sources depended on livestock. Over time, the word has also been used in a more violent and non-agricultural context, including warfare and murder, highlighting its evolution in language. The suffix '-ed' added to the base form acts as a marker for the past tense. This composite nature of the language reflects a cultural attitude towards animal husbandry and the darker aspects of human conflict.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,532, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.