The brutal and indiscriminate killing of a large number of people or animals. Can also refer to a crushing defeat in sports or competition.
From Old French 'macecre,' meaning 'slaughterhouse' or 'butchery,' possibly from Latin 'macellum' (meat market). The word entered English in the late 16th century, initially referring to the slaughter of animals before applying to humans.
The word's transition from describing animal slaughter to human violence reflects how language often borrows from familiar concepts to describe horrific new realities. Interestingly, sports usage ('we massacred them 42-0') shows how metaphorical violence can dilute the gravity of actual violence.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.