# massacre

/ˈmæsəkɝ/ (US) · /mˈæsəkɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/massacre
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. killing of many people

noun · CEFR B2

the cruel killing of a large number of people, especially those who cannot defend themselves.

For teachers: the indiscriminate and brutal slaughter of many people, typically involving victims who are unarmed or unable to resist.

- The history book described a terrible massacre that took place during the war.
- International observers called for an immediate investigation into the massacre of civilians in the occupied territory.

Usage: Often used with the definite article when referring to a specific historical event.

### 2. a heavy defeat

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a situation where one team or person is beaten very badly in a game or competition.

For teachers: an overwhelming or humiliating defeat in a sporting contest or competitive event.

- The final score was 8-0, and the local newspapers called the game a massacre.
- What was expected to be a close championship final turned into a complete massacre as the defending champions dominated every aspect of play.

### 3. to kill many people

verb · CEFR B2

to kill a lot of people in a violent and cruel way.

For teachers: to kill a large number of people indiscriminately and with great brutality.

- The soldiers were accused of massacring innocent villagers during the conflict.
- The documentary explores the tragic events of the night when retreating forces massacred hundreds of protesters in the square.

Usage: This is a transitive verb and requires a direct object.

### 4. to perform very poorly

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal · Humorous

to perform a piece of music or a play so badly that you ruin it.

For teachers: to perform a creative work, such as a musical composition or dramatic script, with such incompetence that its quality is destroyed.

- I tried to sing my favorite song at karaoke, but I completely massacred it.
- The critics were merciless, claiming the amateur troupe had massacred the Shakespearean classic with their wooden acting and poor timing.

## Examples

- The film depicts the brutal massacre of civilians.
- Historians still debate the exact number of victims in the massacre that occurred during the final days of the war.
- The general's refusal to acknowledge the event as a massacre, preferring the sterile term 'incident', was seen by the international community as a profound moral failure.

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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.