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

Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke of a "pogrom" against Maccabi fans and Israeli citizens.

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

Riefenstahl’s hopes of ginning up American interest in her movie are dashed by Kristallnacht, the horrific pogrom that occurred in November 1938.

From Los Angeles Times

A prominent politician in Gujarat, he was burned alive by Hindu nationalist paramilitary groups during the pogrom.

From Salon

They are returning from a pogrom with their spoils, to publicly desecrate a captured corpse.

From Slate

Related Words

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