bloodshed

[ bluhd-shed ]

noun

1. destruction of life, as in war or murder; slaughter.
2. the shedding shed of blood by injury, wound, etc.

bloodshed

/ ˈblʌdˌʃɛd /

noun

1. slaughter; killing

Word History and Origins

Origin of bloodshed¹

blood + shed ²

Example Sentences

Once he reached curfew-bound Lahore, Mahmood was horrified by the bloodshed he witnessed there and decided to stay back in Pakistan and not tour Australia.

From BBC

In the meantime, however, diplomats and analysts worry Israel will ratchet up the bloodshed in both conflicts, operating in the political vacuum as the U.S. changes administrations.

From Los Angeles Times

By the early aughts an older, wiser Dolours is disillusioned with the meaninglessness of so much bloodshed and pondering what it means to have so many spent matches poking her from inside her pockets.

From Salon

Despite his stature, not even Jones could alter the forces of power and pride that were at work and prevent the bloodshed.

From BBC

Syrians have learned to live with the bloodshed of a conflict that smolders on, 13 years after it kicked off.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bloodbath
• bloodletting
• carnage
• fighting
• killing
• massacre
• murder