Genocide

Definition

Genocide is the deliberate and systematic extermination of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈdʒɛnəˌsaɪd/
• Respelling: JEN-uh-syd (with "JEN" as in "jet," "uh" as in "sofa," and "syd" as in "side")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈdʒɛnəˌsaɪd/
• Respelling: JEN-uh-syd (with "JEN" as in "jet," "uh" as in "sofa," and "syd" as in "side")

In both dialects, "genocide" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "JEN." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "JEN-uh-syd."

Etymology

The term "genocide" was coined in 1944 by Polish lawyer Raphael Lemkin. It combines the Greek word "genos" (race, people) with the Latin suffix "-cide" (killing).

Derivatives

• Genocidal (adjective)
• Genocidist (noun, person)
• Genocidally (adverb)
• Genociding (verb, archaic)
• Genocide prevention (noun phrase)

Synonyms

• Ethnic cleansing
• Mass murder
• Pogrom

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "genocide" is used in legal, political, and academic contexts to describe acts of mass violence against specific groups. It is a crime under international law, as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948). The term is also applied in historical analyses and human rights discourse.

Related Terms

• Holocaust
• Massacre
• Extermination
• Ethnic conflict
• Atrocity

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Deliberate Killing: The intentional and systematic destruction of a particular group of people, especially those of a specific nationality, ethnicity, race, or religion.
  • Example: The Holocaust is one of the most infamous genocides in history, where six million Jews were systematically murdered by the Nazi regime.

• Destruction of Cultural Identity: Acts aimed at eradicating the cultural, social, or religious practices of a group, often accompanying or following physical extermination.
  • Example: The destruction of cultural artifacts and banning of languages can be considered components of cultural genocide.