bloodletting

[ bluhd-let-ing ]

noun

1. the act or practice of letting blood by opening a vein; phlebotomy.
2. bloodshed or slaughter.
3. bloodbath.
4. Informal. severe cutbacks or reduction in personnel, appropriations, etc.:

   The company went through a period of bloodletting in the 1970s.

Other Words From

• bloodletter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bloodletting¹

First recorded in 1175–1225, bloodletting is from Middle English blod letunge. See blood, let ¹, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Most of the dead remain anonymous, presumed foot soldiers of one side or the other in the bloodletting.

From Los Angeles Times

Haunted by the immense sacrifices and dreadful memories of World War I, the French and British people were reluctant ever to endure such a bloodletting again.

From Literature

In the late 18th to early 19th Century, millions of the leeches were used in hospitals across Europe for bloodletting treatment.

From BBC

The Hezbollah leader took his time to respond to the past month of bloodletting which has turned the Middle East into a tinder box.

From BBC

Also, California’s Democratic Party will avoid unnecessary bloodletting.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• murderous