1. the killing of animals for food
2. the brutal killing of many people

1. to kill animals for food
2. to kill people or animals in large numbers brutally
3. to defeat decisively
Usage: informal

Examples

• The cattle were sent to slaughter at the processing plant.
• The battle resulted in a terrible slaughter of innocent civilians.
• Farmers slaughter their livestock in the fall.
• The army slaughtered the enemy forces without mercy.
• Our team got slaughtered in the championship game.
• The slaughter of whales has been banned in many countries.
• The dictator ordered the slaughter of political prisoners.