Definition

A very large sacrifice or killing, especially of animals, often used in ancient rituals.

Example

The ancient festival included a hecatomb to honor the gods with a grand sacrifice.

Conversation

Did you read that book about ancient rituals?

Yeah, it mentioned a hecatomb as a major sacrifice.

I found it fascinating how they would offer so many animals to the gods.

Right? It makes you think about the scale of their beliefs.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hecatomb is derived from the Greek "hekatombeia" (meaning a sacrifice of a hundred cattle), which is composed of "hekaton" (meaning hundred) and "bous" (meaning ox or cow). The term originally referred to a large-scale sacrifice, particularly in ancient Greek religious practices, where a hundred animals were offered to the gods.

Memory Tip

Imagine a grand ceremony where a hundred cows are sacrificed to honor the gods — that's the essence of a hecatomb.

Visually Confused Words