holocaust
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.ho·lo·caust
noun \ˈhō-lə-ˌkȯst, ˈhä- also -ˌkäst or ˈhȯ-lə-kȯst\Definition of HOLOCAUST
1
: a sacrifice consumed by fire
2
: a thorough destruction involving extensive loss of life especially through fire <a nuclear holocaust>
3
a often capitalized : the mass slaughter of European civilians and especially Jews by the Nazis during World War II —usually used with the b : a mass slaughter of people; especially : genocide
See Examples of HOLOCAUST
- The museum is devoted to the Holocaust.
- There were fears of a nuclear holocaust.
Origin of HOLOCAUST
Middle English, from Late Latin holocaustum, from Greek holokauston, from neuter of holokaustos burnt whole, from hol- + kaustos burnt, from kaiein to burn — more at caustic
First Known Use: 13th century
Related to HOLOCAUST
- Synonyms
- conflagration, fire, inferno
Other History Terms
Rhymes with HOLOCAUST
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