Massacre

/ˈmæs.ə.kə(ɹ)/ · noun

Meaning

The killing of a considerable number (usually limited to people) where little or no resistance can be made, with indiscriminate violence, without necessity, and/or contrary to civilized norms..

Definitions by Sense

1. The killing of a considerable number (usually limited to people) where little or no resistance can be made, with indiscriminate violence, without necessity, and/or contrary to civilized norms.
2. (obsolete) Murder.
3. (figuratively) Any overwhelming defeat, as in a game or sport.
4. (transitive) To kill in considerable numbers where little or no resistance can be made, with indiscriminate violence, without necessity, and contrary to civilized norms. (Often limited to the killing of human beings.)
5. (transitive, figuratively) To win against (an opponent) very decisively.
6. (transitive, figuratively) To perform (a work, such as a musical piece or a play) very poorly.
7. (transitive, proscribed) To kill with great force or brutality.

Example Sentences

St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre

Massacres of Diyarbekir

St. Valentine's Day Massacre

Amritsar Massacre

I'll find a day to massacre them all, And raze their faction and their family

The massacre that ripped apart 17 families in Parkland, Florida, five years ago on Valentine’s Day ignited a wave of student-led protests and bipartisan legislation to combat the plague of school shootings devastating the country.

The tyrannous and bloody act is done,— The most arch deed of piteous massacre That ever yet this land was guilty of.

If James should be pleased to massacre them all, as Maximilian had massacred the Theban legion

Synonyms for massacre

Antonyms for massacre

Related Words

Word Forms

• massacres
• massacer
• massacring
• massacred

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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