# genocidal

/ˈdʒɛnəˌsaɪdəɫ/ (US) · /dʒˌɛnəsˈaɪdəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/genocidal
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

describing an act or plan to destroy a whole group of people, especially because of their race or religion.

For teachers: relating to or involving the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group. Often used to describe policies, ideologies, or historical events.

## Examples

- The dictator's genocidal policies led to the deaths of thousands.
- Historians often study the genocidal intent behind the forced relocation of indigenous populations during the nineteenth century.
- The international tribunal sought to prove that the regime's actions were not merely violent but genocidal, requiring a specific intent to destroy a national group in whole or in part.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.