genocide

noun

geno·​cide ˈje-nə-ˌsīd How to pronounce genocide (audio)
: the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group
genocidal adjective

Word History

Etymology

geno- + -cide

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of genocide was in 1944

Dictionary Entries Near genocide

Cite this Entry

“Genocide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genocide. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

genocide

noun
geno·​cide ˈjen-ə-ˌsīd How to pronounce genocide (audio)
: the deliberate destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group
genocidal adjective

Medical Definition

genocide

noun
geno·​cide ˈjen-ə-ˌsīd How to pronounce genocide (audio)
: the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group compare homicide
genocidal adjective

Legal Definition

genocide

noun
geno·​cide ˈje-nə-ˌsīd How to pronounce genocide (audio)
: acts committed with intent to partially or wholly destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group
also : the crime of committing such an act
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