First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1slaughter
noun slaugh·ter \ˈslȯ-tər\
: the act of killing animals for their meat
: the violent killing of a large number of people
Full Definition of SLAUGHTER
1
: the act of killing; specifically : the butchering of livestock for market
2
: killing of great numbers of human beings (as in battle or a massacre) : carnage
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Origin of SLAUGHTER
Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse slātra to slaughter; akin to Old English sleaht slaughter, slēan to slay — more at slay
2slaughter
transitive verb
: to kill (an animal) for food
: to kill (many people) in a very violent way
: to defeat (someone or something) easily or completely
Full Definition of SLAUGHTER
1
: to kill (animals) for food : butcher
3
: to discredit, defeat, or demolish completely
— slaugh·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun
First Known Use of SLAUGHTER
1535
Related to SLAUGHTER
- Synonyms
- butcher, mow (down), massacre
SLAUGHTER Defined for Kids
1slaughter
noun slaugh·ter \ˈslȯ-tər\
Definition of SLAUGHTER for Kids
1
: the act of killing
2
: the act of killing and preparing animals for food
3
: destruction of many lives especially in battle
2slaughter
verb
slaugh·teredslaugh·ter·ing
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