pogrom

[ puh-gruhm, -grom, poh- ]

noun

1. an organized massacre, especially of Jews.

   Synonyms: butchery, slaughter

pogrom

/ ˈpɒɡrəm /

noun

1. an organized persecution or extermination of an ethnic group, esp of Jews

pogrom

1. A massacre or persecution instigated by the government or by the ruling class against a minority group, particularly Jews (see also Jews ).

Notes

Pogroms were common in Russia during the nineteenth century.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pogrom¹

1880–85; (< Yiddish ) < Russian pogróm literally, destruction, devastation (of a town, country, etc., as in war), noun derivative of pogromít’, equivalent to po- perfective prefix + gromít’ to destroy, devastate, derivative of grom thunder

Word History and Origins

Origin of pogrom¹

C20: via Yiddish from Russian: destruction, from po- like + grom thunder

Example Sentences

The mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, described the incidents as deeply alarming, and noted for some they were a reminder of historical pogroms against Jews.

From BBC

For many, it was especially shocking coming on the eve of commemorations marking Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi pogroms against German Jews.

From BBC

The outcry was exacerbated by the attacks occurring on the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht - Nazi pogroms against German Jews that took place in 1938.

From BBC

Dutch anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders who leads the biggest party in parliament also spoke of a pogrom, saying "authorities will be held accountable for their failure to protect the Israeli citizens".

From BBC

For Israelis the Hamas attacks on 7 October were a painful reminder of centuries of pogroms against Jews in Europe that culminated in the genocide carried out by Nazi Germany.

From BBC

Related Words

• annihilation
• bloodbath
• bloodletting
• butchery
• carnage
• extermination
• genocide