Word
slaughtered
Phoneticsslaugh·tered, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɫɔtɝd/
UK/slˈɔːtəd/
Definitions
01killed for food or in war
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. killed animals for meat or killed many people in a violent way.
v. killed livestock for food production or killed a large number of people in a brutal or indiscriminate manner.
“The cattle were slaughtered and the meat was sent to local markets.”
“Historians estimate that thousands of civilians were slaughtered during the final weeks of the siege, leading to international condemnation.”
Usage
Often used in the passive voice when referring to food production.
02defeated heavily
B2 · Upper Intermediate Sports Informal
v. defeated a person or a team by a very large score.
v. defeated an opponent decisively or by a significant margin in a competition.
“Our team played badly and got slaughtered six-zero in the final.”
“The incumbent candidate was slaughtered in the polls, losing even the districts that had traditionally been his strongest supporters.”
Teaching tip
This is a common hyperbolic use in sports and politics to describe a one-sided loss.
03very drunk
C1 · Advanced British English · Slang
adj. extremely drunk from drinking too much alcohol.
adj. highly intoxicated by alcohol. Predicative use only.
“He looked completely slaughtered after the wedding reception and had to take a taxi home.”
“By the time the clock struck midnight, half the guests were already slaughtered and unable to stand properly.”
Usage
Usually follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'get'.
Teaching tip
This is a very strong slang term used in the UK; it is inappropriate for professional or formal settings.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“He’s about to get slaughtered in the midterms.”
Ouch!” “America is weaker around the world today than it was a year ago, and he’s about to get slaughtered in the midterms,” he said.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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