slaughter

The cruel killing of many people.

• The war brought terrible slaughter.
• Survivors described the slaughter of their neighbors.
• The memorial honors victims of the slaughter.

How to use it: slaughter of someone (The report described the slaughter of innocent people.)

Similar words: massacre, carnage

Common phrases: mass slaughter, slaughter of civilians

The killing of animals, usually to provide meat.

• The cattle were sent for slaughter.
• The law sets standards for animal slaughter.
• He opposed the slaughter of young calves.

How to use it: slaughter of something (The farm follows strict rules for the slaughter of animals.)

Similar words: butchery

Common phrases: animal slaughter, slaughter of cattle

To kill a large number of people cruelly.

• The troops slaughtered hundreds of civilians.
• Whole families were slaughtered during the attack.
• The commander ordered his men to slaughter the villagers.

Similar words: massacre

Common phrases: slaughter innocent people, slaughter civilians

To kill animals, usually for their meat.

• They slaughter pigs for meat.
• The farmer slaughtered two sheep.
• These animals will be slaughtered next week.

Similar words: butcher

Common phrases: slaughter cattle, slaughter animals

To kill a person or animal in a very cruel way.

• The killer slaughtered his victim.
• They found a helpless animal that had been slaughtered.
• The story describes how the monster slaughtered a traveler.

Similar words: butcher, kill

Common phrases: brutally slaughter someone, slaughter a victim