holocaust

B2
Pronunciation
/ˈhoʊləkɑst/
/ˈhɒləkɔːst/
/ˈhoʊləkɔst/
Noun
3 definition(s)
1 Definition

A sacrifice that is completely burned to ashes.

2 Definition

Extensive destruction of a group (usually of people or animals), whether by deliberate agency or by natural agency (especially fire).

Example Sentences
  • 1895 September 10, "ANOTHER ARMENIAN HOLOCAUST; Five Villages Burned, Five Thousand Persons Made Homeless, and Anti-Christians Organized.", in The New York Times
3 Definition

In particular, a state-sponsored mass murder of an ethnic group, especially the Holocaust (which see).

Verb
3 definition(s)
1 Definition

To sacrifice and burn (an animal) completely.

2 Definition

To destroy completely, especially by fire.

3 Definition

(possibly nonstandard) To subject to a holocaust (mass annihilation); to destroy en masse. (Compare genocide.)