massacre
Use Massacre in a sentence
ə noun
1.
the unnecessary, indiscriminate killing of a large number of human beings or animals, as in barbarous warfare or persecution or for revenge or plunder.
2.
a general slaughter, as of persons or animals: the massacre of millions during the war.
3.
Informal. a crushing defeat, especially in sports.
verb (used with object)
4.
to kill unnecessarily and indiscriminately, especially a large number of persons.
5.
Informal. to defeat decisively, especially in sports.
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Massacre
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is hornswoggle. Does it mean:
| to swindle, cheat, hoodwink, or hoax. |
| to run away hurriedly; flee. |
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To massacre
Collins
World English Dictionary
massacre (ˈmæsəkə) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| 1. | the wanton or savage killing of large numbers of people, as in battle |
| 2. | informal an overwhelming defeat, as in a game |
| —vb | |
| 3. | to kill indiscriminately or in large numbers |
| 4. | informal to defeat overwhelmingly |
| [C16: from Old French, of unknown origin] | |
| massacrer | |
| —n | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
massacre
1580s, from M.Fr. massacre "wholesale slaughter, carnage," from O.Fr. macacre, macecle "slaughterhouse, butchery," perhaps from L. macellum "provisions store, butcher shop." The noun is attested from 1580s. Related: Massacred.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
We all oppose the massacre of baby seals.
But the violence has spiraled only upward, especially the headline-grabbing massacres.
Valentine's Day massacre took place, two suspects are herded into a police van.
His oration upon the massacre of the fifth of March, is distinguished for its patriotic sentiments, as well as elegance of style.
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