Word

genocide

noun C1

/ˈd͡ʒɛnəsaɪd/

Meanings

noun

the deliberate and systematic killing or destruction of a particular group of people

noun

the crime of trying to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group by killing members or causing severe harm and life-threatening conditions

genocide: the crime of trying to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group by killing members or causing severe…

Definition

Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to destroy that group.

Genocide is the intentional destruction of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. It can involve mass killings, but also other actions meant to eliminate the group, such as forced removal, starvation, or preventing births. The word is used for extreme, systematic crimes against a whole group of people.

Examples

The museum documents the genocide that devastated the region.
Survivors spoke about the genocide and its long-term effects on families.
International courts investigated leaders accused of genocide.
Teachers discussed how propaganda can lead to genocide.

Common mistake

Learners sometimes use genocide for any large number of deaths, but it specifically means an intentional attempt to destroy a particular group.