genocide

noun

geno·​cide ˈje-nə-ˌsīd 

: the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group

genocidal

ˌje-nə-ˈsī-dᵊl 

adjective

Word History

Etymology

geno- + -cide

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

genocide

noun

geno·​cide ˈjen-ə-ˌsīd 

: the deliberate destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group

genocidal

ˌjen-ə-ˈsīd-ᵊl 

adjective

Medical Definition

genocide

noun

geno·​cide ˈjen-ə-ˌsīd 

: the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group compare homicide

genocidal

ˌjen-ə-ˈsīd-ᵊl 

adjective

Legal Definition

genocide

noun

geno·​cide ˈje-nə-ˌsīd 

: acts committed with intent to partially or wholly destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group

also : the crime of committing such an act