slaughter
1 of 2verb/ˈslɔ.tɜr/
Forms:slaughters,slaughtering,slaughtered,slaughtered
1
to kill a large number of people, often in a harsh and heartless manner
transitive- The invading army sought to slaughter the inhabitants of the defenseless village.
- The ruthless dictator ordered his forces to slaughter anyone opposing his rule.
- In the tragic event, a lone gunman attempted to slaughter innocent bystanders.
- The conquerors mercilessly slaughtered those who resisted their invasion.
- In the terrorist attack, the extremists intended to slaughter innocent civilians.
2
to kill animals for the purpose of providing food
transitive- Farmers brought their cattle to the facility to be slaughtered.
- The chickens were slaughtered early in the morning for the market.
- Many pigs are slaughtered annually to produce bacon and other pork products.
- The workers slaughter sheep at the plant to supply meat to local stores.
- The tribe slaughtered goats as part of their cultural festival.
Synonyms: