genocide

[ jen-uh-sahyd ]

noun

1. the deliberate and systematic extermination of a national, racial, political, or cultural group.

genocide

/ ˈdʒɛnəʊˌsaɪd /

noun

1. the policy of deliberately killing a nationality or ethnic group

genocide

1. The deliberate destruction of an entire race or nation. The Holocaust conducted by the Nazis in Germany and the Rwandan genocide are examples of attempts at genocide.

Derived Forms

• ˌgenoˈcidal, adjective

Other Word Forms

• geno·cidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of genocide¹

First recorded in 1940–45; from Greek géno(s) “race” + -cide

Word History and Origins

Origin of genocide¹

C20: from geno-, from Greek genos race + -cide

Example Sentences

In December, he did an interview with CBS' 60 Minutes programme in which he accused Israel of genocide, a claim it denies.

From BBC

His claims of a genocide against white farmers have been widely dismissed as false, but they echo those of the tech billionaire.

From BBC

Two years into the war, both the army and RSF have been accused of war crimes, including genocide and mass sexual violence.

From BBC

More than 12 million have been forced from their homes in Sudan and tens of thousands killed, amid widespread reports of sexual violence across the country and a genocide in Darfur.

From BBC

The RSF has also previously denied accusations from the US and human rights groups that it has committed a genocide against non-Arab groups in other parts of Darfur after it seized control of those areas.

From BBC

Related Words

• carnage
• mass murder
• massacre
• slaughter