hol·o·caust
 holocaust
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- pronunciation:
- ha
l
kawst
[or]
ho
l
kawst
- features:
- Word Combinations (noun), Word History, Word Parts
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
an extensive or thorough destruction or devastation, esp. by fire.
The dropping of the atomic bomb triggered a nuclear holocaust in Hiroshima, Japan.- synonyms:
- conflagration, devastation
- similar words:
- cataclysm, destruction, firestorm, havoc, inferno
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| definition 2: |
(cap.) the systematic rounding up and slaughter of Jews and members of other groups by Nazis during World War II (preceded by "the").
The Holocaust is remembered as one of history's most atrocious crimes against humanity.Millions of people died in the Holocaust.- similar words:
- annihilation, genocide, hecatomb, massacre, pogrom, slaughter
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| definition 3: |
a sacrificial offering that is set on fire and destroyed.
- similar words:
- auto-da-fé, hecatomb, sacrifice, suttee
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| related words: |
burn, carnage, fire |
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| derivations: |
holocaustal (adj.), holocaustic (adj.) |
Holocaust comes from an ancient Greek word meaning "burnt whole." The English word
caustic also has Greek beginnings. A caustic chemical is one that causes a burning feeling on the skin. Compare the words "caustic" and "holocaust," and you may be able to guess which part of the word "holocaust" comes from the ancient Greek word for "burnt."