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 Words From

• 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

Last week, a United Nations special committee found that Israel has committed atrocities consistent with the characteristics of genocide.

From Salon

It also called on countries around the world to enforce the warrants and work to stop what it called “the crimes of genocide against defenceless civilians in the Gaza Strip”.

From BBC

You come for the songs only to find allusions to fascism and genocide.

From Los Angeles Times

Ecocide is not an officially recognized crime under international law, as is genocide, but activists and activists say its consequences can have similar consequences.

From Salon

But far from “calling for the genocide of the Jews,” as Stefanik has insisted, they are condemning genocide and accusing Israeli Jews of committing it.

From Salon

Related Words

• carnage
• mass murder
• massacre
• slaughter