massacre
Advanced (C1/C2)
IPA: /ˈmæsəˌkɛr/
KK: /ˈmæsəˌkɚ/
noun
Definition
The act of killing many people in a violent and cruel way, often without any reason or mercy.
Example
The historical event was remembered as one of the worst massacres in the region's history.
Conversation
Did you hear about that historical event they called a massacre?
Yeah, it was really tragic how many lives were lost.
I can't believe something so horrific could happen.
It definitely makes you think about the importance of peace.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
slaughter
carnage
bloodbath
Antonyms
rescue
salvation
safety
transitive verb
Definition
To kill many people in a violent and brutal way, often in a single event.
Example
The soldiers were ordered to massacre the enemy troops during the battle.
Tense Forms
Past: massacred
Past Participle: massacred
Conversation
Did you see how badly our team massacred the competition last night?
Yeah, it was such a decisive win!
I can't believe we massacred them by that many points.
Root Explanation
Massacre comes from the Old French word *massacre*, which means slaughter or killing, derived from the verb *massacrer*, meaning to kill or slaughter. The term originally referred to the act of killing in a brutal or indiscriminate manner.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old French word for slaughter, which helps you remember that a massacre refers to a brutal killing.
Visually Confused Words
unmassacred