an act of genocide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an act of genocide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions about historical events, legal contexts, or human rights issues where mass violence against a group is being described. Example: "The tribunal found that the actions taken against the minority group constituted an act of genocide."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The closures are an act of genocide and it must stop.

The Guardian

Hitler's massacre of European Jews was an act of genocide without millennial equal.

The Economist

"Sexual aggression is as much an act of genocide as murder is".

The New York Times - Magazine

"What happened in Sinjar was nothing less than an act of genocide," he said.

The Guardian

That the Serbs perpetrated an act of genocide at Srebrenica in July 1995 is the biggest.

The Guardian

To this day, and to its immense shame, Turkey officially denies that its Ottoman ancestors committed an act of genocide.

Independent

International courts have labelled the massacre, in which some 8,000 died, as an act of genocide.

Independent

The Nazi Holocaust was an act of genocide that killed 6m Jews, motivated by annihilationist ethnic hatred.

The Economist

The Taliban claimed "50 civilians [were] martyred by American terrorists" and called the incident an "act of genocide".

Independent

Some have classified the famine as an act of genocide (the term was not in use at the time).

The New York Times - Books

Armenians charge that the campaign was a deliberate attempt to destroy the Armenian people and, thus, an act of genocide.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing events described as "an act of genocide", ensure your language is precise and sensitive to the victims and their experiences. Avoid euphemisms or generalizations that diminish the gravity of the event.

Common error

Avoid casually labeling any conflict or tragedy as "an act of genocide". The term carries specific legal and historical weight, and its misuse can dilute its significance and disrespect the experiences of actual genocide victims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an act of genocide" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific instance of the crime of genocide. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

9%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an act of genocide" is a powerful and specific term used to describe events involving the deliberate destruction of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media, as well as encyclopedic contexts. While the phrase is widely employed, it's crucial to use it accurately and with sensitivity, avoiding casual or inappropriate applications. Alternatives like "a genocidal act" or "campaign of extermination" can provide nuanced ways to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific context and intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genocidal act

Adjective form instead of the noun phrase.

deliberate extermination

Highlights the intentional nature of the act.

a campaign of extermination

Focuses on the systematic effort to eliminate a population.

systematic annihilation

Emphasizes the methodical nature of the destruction.

holocaust

Refers to widespread destruction and loss of life, especially by fire or violence.

ethnic cleansing

Emphasizes the removal of a specific ethnic group.

cultural genocide

Focuses on the destruction of cultural heritage and identity.

a crime against humanity

Highlights the broad violation of human rights.

massacre

Focuses on the indiscriminate killing of a large number of people.

mass killing

A more general term for the killing of a large number of people.

FAQs

How is "an act of genocide" defined in international law?

According to the United Nations, "an act of genocide" means any of several acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, such as killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.

What are some examples of events often described as "an act of genocide"?

Historical examples often cited as "an act of genocide" include the Holocaust, the Rwandan Genocide, and the Armenian Genocide. The legal determination of whether an event constitutes genocide is often complex and may vary based on international recognition and legal findings.

What is the difference between "ethnic cleansing" and "an act of genocide"?

"Ethnic cleansing" typically refers to the forced removal of a group from a territory, while "an act of genocide" involves the intent to destroy a group, which can include killings, inflicting serious harm, or preventing births within the group. Genocide requires intent to destroy the group, while ethnic cleansing focuses on displacement.

What can I say instead of "an act of genocide" if I want to convey a similar meaning without using the legal term?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "crime against humanity", "campaign of extermination", or "massacre". These terms convey the severity and scale of violence without necessarily implying the specific legal definition of genocide.