slaughter

word

/ˈsɫɔtɝ/
SLAW-dur
/slˈɔːtɐ/
SLAW-tuh

Definition

To kill animals for food, or to kill a large number of people or animals in a violent or cruel way.

Usage & Nuances

Often used for killing animals for meat ('cattle slaughter'), and for mass killing in war or violent events ('a brutal slaughter'). Formal and strong; avoid using for everyday situations. Can be both noun and verb depending on context.

Example Sentences

After the war, stories of slaughter spread quickly.

natural

The protesters compared factory farming to animal slaughter.

natural

He couldn’t watch the movie because of the graphic scenes of slaughter.

natural

The farm uses a special area to slaughter chickens.

basic

Many animals are slaughtered for food every day.

basic

The slaughter of innocent people shocked the world.

basic