Holocaust
/ˈhɒləkɔːst/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe genocide of European Jews during World War II. It is also used more broadly to refer to other genocides or mass slaughters.
/ˈhɒləkɔːst/
The systematic genocide of Jews and other groups during World War II.
The Holocaust is considered one of the darkest chapters in human history.
💡 Simply: Imagine a terrible time when lots of people were killed just because of who they were. The Holocaust was one of those times, and we learn about it to make sure it never happens again.
👶 For kids: The Holocaust was when bad people hurt and killed many people because they were different.
More Examples
Museums and memorials worldwide commemorate the victims of the Holocaust.
Historians continue to research the causes and consequences of the Holocaust.
The study of the Holocaust helps us understand the dangers of prejudice and hatred.
How It's Used
"The Holocaust resulted in the murder of approximately six million Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators."
"Many novels and memoirs detail the horrors of the Holocaust."
Widespread destruction, especially by fire, or a great slaughter or massacre.
/ˈhɒləkɔːst/
Destruction or loss of life on a massive scale, especially by fire.
The forest fire created a holocaust of ash and destruction.
💡 Simply: Think of a huge, terrible fire that destroys everything. Sometimes, people use 'holocaust' to describe a really big disaster or a time when lots of people are hurt or killed.
👶 For kids: A holocaust is like a big, bad fire that burns everything, or when lots of people are hurt and killed.
More Examples
The city experienced a holocaust of violence during the civil unrest.
The environmental disaster caused a holocaust of marine life.
The nuclear attack would have led to a nuclear holocaust.
How It's Used
"The city was consumed by a holocaust of fire after the bombing."
"The earthquake triggered a holocaust of destruction across the region."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
nuclear holocaust
Complete annihilation and destruction caused by nuclear weapons.
"The threat of nuclear holocaust looms over global politics."
From the Greek *holokaustos*, meaning 'burnt whole', originally referring to a religious sacrifice entirely consumed by fire. Later, it became associated with the systematic genocide of Jews and other groups during World War II.
The word's usage has evolved significantly, from its original religious context to its modern association with genocide after World War II. Historically, the term was applied more broadly to describe any large-scale destruction, especially by fire.
Memory tip
Think of a complete sacrifice by fire – a complete destruction of people. The 'holo' (whole) aspect of it.
Word Origin
"burnt whole (referring to a complete sacrifice by fire)"