massacre
UK: ˈmæsəkə | US: ˈmæsəkər
n. the violent killing of a large number of people
vt. to kill a large number of people violently
The word "massacre" entered English via Old French (macacre), likely from Vulgar Latin mattiacaria (related to slaughter). Though its true roots are unclear, the English spelling later reinterpreted it as "mass" (large group) + "acre" (field), evoking imagery of widespread killing in a bounded space. This folk etymology reinforced its grim meaning.
The massacre of civilians shocked the international community.
Historical accounts describe the brutal massacre of the village.
The dictator ordered the massacre of political dissidents.
Survivors recounted the horrors of the wartime massacre.
Protesters demanded justice for the victims of the massacre.