# slaughtered

/ˈsɫɔtɝd/ (US) · /slˈɔːtəd/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. killed for food or in war

verb · CEFR B2

killed animals for meat or killed many people in a violent way.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. defeated heavily

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

defeated a person or a team by a very large score.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. very drunk

adjective · CEFR C1 · British English · Slang

extremely drunk from drinking too much alcohol.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The farmer slaughtered the cows for meat.
- The army slaughtered the enemy forces in just one hour of heavy fighting.
- Historians often describe the event as a slaughter, noting how the unprepared civilians were overwhelmed by the sudden and brutal military advance.

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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.