slaughtered
word · lemma: slaughter
Definition
Killed in a violent or brutal way, often used for animals for meat or for large numbers of people in violent situations.
Usage & Nuances
Formally used for animal butchery ('cows were slaughtered'), but also for large-scale violent killings (wars, massacres). Strong, graphic word—avoid for individual, non-violent deaths. Can be used metaphorically; e.g., 'the team was slaughtered' (defeated badly).
Example Sentences
The cattle were slaughtered for meat at the farm.
basic
Many innocent people were slaughtered during the war.
basic
The chickens were slaughtered early in the morning.
basic
Their team got slaughtered in the finals; it wasn't even close.
natural
The movie was so gory—so many characters were slaughtered.
natural
Villagers remembered the day when their ancestors were slaughtered.
natural