An organized, often officially sanctioned attack against a particular ethnic or religious group, especially Jews. These violent episodes typically involve destruction of property, physical assault, and murder, often with government complicity or encouragement.
From Russian 'pogrom,' literally meaning 'to wreak havoc' or 'to demolish violently,' derived from 'gromit' (to destroy). The term entered international usage in the 1880s following anti-Jewish violence in the Russian Empire.
The Kishinev pogrom of 1903 was so brutal it shocked the world and inspired massive Jewish emigration to America and Palestine, directly contributing to both American Jewish communities and the Zionist movement. Pogroms weren't limited to Russia—similar attacks occurred from medieval England to modern-day Myanmar, showing how this pattern of organized ethnic violence transcends specific cultures and time periods.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.