bloodshed

noun

blood·shed | \ˈbləd-ˌshed

Definition of bloodshed

1 : the shedding of blood

2 : the taking of life : slaughter

Examples of bloodshed in a Sentence

Years of violence and bloodshed have left much of the country in ruins.

Recent Examples on the Web

The first is reaching a cease-fire as soon as possible because this means stopping the Syrian bloodshed and saving Syrians more destruction. — Fares Akram, The Seattle Times, "Jordan to talk to Russia as Syria fighting displaces 270,000," 2 July 2018 Despite the confusion and disappointment among some, the summit managed to, for a time at least, reset a relationship that has long been characterized by bloodshed and threats. — BostonGlobe.com, "With summit over, Mike Pompeo makes visits to Asian allies," 13 June 2018 The surviving journalists reported on their friends’ deaths and put out a paper hours after the bloodshed. — Allison Klein, Washington Post, "Journalists from across the country line up to help the Capital Gazette after newsroom massacre," 10 July 2018 The surviving journalists reported on their friends’ deaths and put out a paper hours after the bloodshed. — Allison Klein, The Seattle Times, "Journalists from across the country line up to help the Capital Gazette after newsroom massacre," 10 July 2018 Israel blames Gaza's militant Hamas rulers for the bloodshed. — Aron Heller, Fox News, "Burning kites from Gaza damage Israeli farms, wildlife," 20 June 2018 After defeating King Harold of England in 1066 in the Battle of Hastings, William of Normandy—aka William the Conqueror—built Battle Abbey over the battlefield in East Sussex as penance for the bloodshed. — Lyndsey Matthews, Harper's BAZAAR, "Everything Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Need to Know About Sussex, England," 22 May 2018 But after Monday's bloodshed, the focus shifted Tuesday to burying the dead, and the crowds at the border were much smaller. — Noga Tarnopolsky, latimes.com, "Palestinians vow to press on with border protests in Gaza as U.N. calls for inquiry," 18 May 2018 Tuesday’s protests to mark the Nakba, however, are expected to be significantly smaller, after the organizing committee called for a day of mourning after Monday’s bloodshed. — BostonGlobe.com, "Death toll for Gaza protests rises; more demonstrations expected," 15 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bloodshed.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.