ecocide

noun

eco·​cide ˈē-kə-ˌsīd 

ˈe-, 

-(ˌ)kō-

: the destruction of large areas of the natural environment as a consequence of human activity

ecocidal

ˌē-kə-ˈsī-dᵊl 

ˌe-, 

-(ˌ)kō-

adjective

Examples of ecocide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Today, there’s a range of archeological and genetic work that tends to support their basic observations while countering, or at least complicating, the familiar ecocide narrative. — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026

While the idea is relatively new, in addition to the international efforts, several countries have incorporated ecocide into their laws – including Vietnam, France, Chile and Ukraine. — Dana Zartner, Space.com, 17 Aug. 2025

The 2008 reimagining of The Day the Earth Stood Still has Klaatu warning earthlings about ecocide rather than an atomic menace. — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025

Mehta added several countries have already incorporated ecocide into their national laws, including France, Ukraine and Belgium. — Jamie Hailstone, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

eco- + -cide

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ecocide

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• bisulphide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide