slaughtered
- 01 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.
Simple“The cattle were slaughtered and the meat was sent to local markets.”
In context“Historians estimate that thousands of civilians were slaughtered during the final weeks of the siege, leading to international condemnation.”
UsageOften used in the passive voice when referring to food production.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“Our team played badly and got slaughtered six-zero in the final.”
In context“The incumbent candidate was slaughtered in the polls, losing even the districts that had traditionally been his strongest supporters.”
Teacher's tipThis is a common hyperbolic use in sports and politics to describe a one-sided loss.
- 03 C1 Advanced
adj.extremely drunk from drinking too much alcohol.
adj.highly intoxicated by alcohol. Predicative use only.
Simple“He looked completely slaughtered after the wedding reception and had to take a taxi home.”
In context“By the time the clock struck midnight, half the guests were already slaughtered and unable to stand properly.”
UsageUsually follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'get'.
Teacher's tipThis is a very strong slang term used in the UK; it is inappropriate for professional or formal settings.
“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.”