butcher
UK: ˈbʊtʃə | US: ˈbʊtʃər
n. a person who slaughters and sells meat
vt. to slaughter or cut up (an animal) for food
vt. (figurative) to kill brutally or indiscriminately
The word "butcher" traces back to the Old French bouchier, meaning "one who slaughters goats," from bouc (goat). Over time, it generalized to refer to anyone who slaughters and sells meat. The term’s figurative sense of "brutal killing" emerged by the 16th century, reflecting the violent nature of the trade.
The butcher prepared fresh cuts of beef for the customers.
She visited the local butcher to buy lamb for dinner.
The dictator was accused of butchering innocent civilians.
He butchered the pronunciation of the foreign word.
The film’s villain butchered his victims without remorse.