slaughter

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "slaughter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of killing a large number of people or animals in a violent or brutal manner. For example: "The news of the slaughter at the small village was horrifying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, in the wake of the mass slaughter in the US, and the arrest of three IRA suspects in Colombia, the atmosphere in Belfast is difficult to gauge.

The Guardian

"You need a few goats to slaughter, you need people to attend the ritual, you need to provide food and drinks for them," says Theo. "These people live on a day-to-day basis.

The Guardian

Most notorious of all was Cannibal Holocaust's depiction of the slaughter of wild animals.

The Guardian - Film

The herding and slaughter of dolphins, highlighted by The Cove, has provoked outrage among animal welfare groups and some governments.

The Guardian

Another voice: You are even filthier than Basher Berri: If I have been unfair, you can slaughter me.

The Guardian

The slaughter in the street of the Bangladeshi science writer Ananta Bijoy Das by assailants armed with machetes marks the third time this year that an atheist has been murdered in that country for his opinions.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We recall the centenary of that tragic event, that immense and senseless slaughter whose cruelty your forebears had to endure.

The Guardian

I can slaughter foot-soldiers or I can chase bats around the dank cavern systems.

The Guardian - Tech

We were able to slaughter a sheep today, and some other people did, though people are very short of money.

The Guardian

Many of the memoirs he wrote of his time as a prisoner at Auschwitz are coloured as much by biting cold and endless grey snow as by barbarism and industrial slaughter.

The Guardian - Books

Mr Paisley's seating arrangements were seen by some as a remarkable u-turn given his resolve not to talk to Sinn Féin, a party he had earlier in the day described as "committed to slaughter".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "slaughter", be mindful of its strong emotional connotations. Consider whether a more neutral term might be appropriate depending on your audience and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "slaughter" casually or metaphorically in contexts where it could trivialize actual violence or suffering. Opt for less charged language when describing minor setbacks or disagreements.

Linguistic Context

The word "slaughter" functions primarily as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it refers to the act of killing, particularly in large numbers or in a brutal manner. As a verb, it signifies the act of killing in such a way. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating these functions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "slaughter" is a versatile term used as both a noun and a verb to describe acts of killing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its strong emotional weight makes it particularly apt for conveying the brutality and scale of such acts, especially in contexts like news reporting and historical accounts. While its frequency is high, one must be mindful of the potential for insensitivity and consider more neutral alternatives where appropriate. Related terms like "massacre" and "carnage" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts, depending on the specific emphasis desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

massacre

Refers to the indiscriminate and brutal killing of many people; emphasizes the scale and violence.

carnage

Highlights the bloody and brutal aftermath of violence and killing.

butchery

Implies cruel and indiscriminate killing, similar to the process of butchering animals.

annihilation

Signifies complete destruction and the killing of an entire population or group.

extermination

Suggests a systematic and deliberate effort to eliminate a group of people or animals.

decimation

Indicates a significant reduction in number, often through killing or destruction.

mass murder

Specifically denotes the killing of multiple people in a single event.

bloodbath

Emphasizes the intense and bloody nature of a violent conflict or killing.

liquidation

Implies the removal or killing of people, often in a covert or organized manner.

the killing of

A more neutral and less emotive way to describe the act of taking a life.

FAQs

How can I use "slaughter" in a sentence?

You can use "slaughter" to describe the killing of animals for food, as in "ritual slaughter", or to describe a massacre, as in "the slaughter of innocent civilians".

What words can I use instead of "slaughter"?

You can use alternatives like "massacre", "carnage", or "butchery" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "slaughter" and "massacre"?

"Slaughter" can refer to the killing of animals or people, while "massacre" typically refers to the indiscriminate killing of a large number of people.

Is it appropriate to use "slaughter" in a figurative sense?

While "slaughter" can be used figuratively to describe a decisive defeat, it's important to consider the potential for insensitivity. Use more neutral terms like "rout" or "debacle" for less impactful language.