Tophet

or To·pheth

[ toh-fit, -fet ]

noun

, Bible.

1. a place in the valley of Hinnom, near Jerusalem, where, contrary to the law, children were offered as sacrifices, especially to Moloch. It was later used as a dumping ground for refuse.
2. the place of punishment for the wicked after death; hell.
3. some place, condition, etc., likened to hell.

Tophet

/ ˈtəʊfɛt /

noun

1. Old Testament a place in the valley immediately to the southwest of Jerusalem; the Shrine of Moloch, where human sacrifices were offered

Word History and Origins

Origin of Tophet¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, ultimately derived from Hebrew tōpheth a placename

Word History and Origins

Origin of Tophet¹

from Hebrew Tōpheth

Example Sentences

Tophet is a word most of us are not familiar with.

From National Geographic

This is all that remains of Carthage’s Tophet, where tens of thousands of children were once burned to appease the gods of Baal and Tanit.

From National Geographic

The word tophet can mean both “hell” or “place of sacrifice.”

From National Geographic

With us five inside here," said Ichabod, "I'd risk all the Injins this side of Tophet—provided they didn't set down in reg'lar siege, or set the buildings afire.

From Project Gutenberg

Kidnapers and assassins for hire; the Black Hundred; fiends from Tophet!

From Project Gutenberg