slaughter etymology

Etymology

The word "slaughter" comes from the Old English word "sleahter," which means "the act of killing." The term is first attested in the 12th century.

Meaning

The word "slaughter" has two primary meanings:

1. The killing of a person or animal, especially in a brutal or indiscriminate manner
2. A massacre or mass killing

Origin

The origin of the word "slaughter" is uncertain, but it is likely related to the Proto-Indo-European root *slei-, which means "to cut." This root is also found in other words related to killing, such as "slay" and "slit."

Usage

The word "slaughter" is often used to describe the killing of innocent or defenseless people or animals. It is also used to describe large-scale killings, such as genocides and massacres.

Synonyms

• Massacre
• Carnage
• Butchery
• Bloodbath

slaughter relate terms

• slaught

  Etymology Old English sliht sleaht meaning blow stroke killing Proto Germanic

• slaughter

  Etymology The word slaughter comes from the Old English word sleahter which means t

• slay

  Etymology The word slay originates from the Old English word slean meaning to strik