ENGLISH
REFERENCE

slain

adj. · n.
US //ˈsɫeɪn// UK //slˈeɪn// slain
  1. 1 killed in battle (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    killed in a violent way, usually in a war or a story.

    killed or murdered, particularly in a violent or ritualistic manner. Often used in historical or mythological contexts.

    Example

    The story tells of a brave knight who mourned his slain friends after the battle.

    Example

    The poet lamented the fate of the slain warriors, whose names were destined to be forgotten by the very kingdom they died to protect.

    Usage

    Usually appears before the noun it describes.
  2. 2 the dead (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary Formal

    people who have been killed in a war or a violent event.

    a collective plural noun referring to those who have been killed. Always used with the definite article 'the'.

    Example

    After the great battle, the families came to identify the slain.

    Example

    The field was silent as the survivors gathered to bury the slain under the shadow of the ancient oaks.

    Usage

    Functions as a collective noun and takes a plural verb.
    • the dead
    • the fallen
    • the living

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