slaughter
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the act of killing animals, usually to prepare them as meat for people to eat.
n.the systematic killing of livestock or other animals, typically for food production.
Simple“The cattle were transported to the city for slaughter.”
In context“Strict regulations govern the transport and slaughter of livestock to ensure that hygiene standards are maintained throughout the supply chain.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun in the context of the food industry.
Synonymsbutchery - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the violent killing of a large number of people, especially in a war.
n.the brutal and indiscriminate killing of many people; a massacre.
Simple“The history books describe the terrible slaughter that took place during the battle.”
In context“The international community condemned the senseless slaughter of civilians caught in the crossfire of the civil war.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to kill an animal so that its meat can be sold or eaten.
v.to kill animals for food; to butcher.
Simple“The farmer slaughters a few pigs every autumn to feed his family through the winter.”
In context“In many traditional cultures, the community gathers to help slaughter and process the meat after a successful hunt.”
Synonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to kill many people in a very violent way.
v.to kill a large number of people indiscriminately or in a cruel manner.
Simple“The invading army proceeded to slaughter everyone they found in the village.”
In context“The general was later tried for war crimes after his troops were found to have slaughtered hundreds of unarmed prisoners.”
Synonyms - 05 C1 Advanced
v.to beat an opponent very easily in a game or competition.
v.to defeat an opponent decisively or overwhelmingly.
Simple“Our team was slaughtered in the final, losing by six goals.”
In context“The defending champions were absolutely slaughtered in the opening round, a result that shocked the entire sporting world.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is common in sports journalism and casual conversation to describe a one-sided match.
“Meanwhile, thousands of men and boys were being readied for slaughter.”