Meaning of the word slaughter in English

What does slaughter mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

slaughter

US /ˈslɑː.t̬ɚ/
UK /ˈslɔː.tər/
"slaughter" picture

Verb

1.

to kill animals, especially for food

Example:
The cattle were raised to be slaughtered for meat.
Thousands of sheep are slaughtered every day.
2.

to kill a large number of people or animals in a cruel or violent way

Example:
The invading army proceeded to slaughter the villagers.
The rebels were accused of slaughtering innocent civilians.
3.

to defeat someone very easily in a game or competition

Example:
Our team completely slaughtered the opposition, winning 10-0.
He slaughtered his opponents in the chess tournament.

Noun

1.

the killing of animals for food

Example:
The new regulations aim to improve the conditions of animal slaughter.
The local butcher performs the slaughter on site.
2.

the killing of a large number of people or animals in a cruel or violent way

Example:
The historical records describe a brutal slaughter of prisoners of war.
The general ordered the immediate slaughter of all remaining enemy forces.
3.

a very easy victory in a game or competition

Example:
It was a complete slaughter, with our team winning by a huge margin.
The chess match turned into a slaughter after the first few moves.