holocaust
IPA
Definition of 'holocaust'
The systematic persecution and genocide carried out by Nazi Germany during World War II.
"The Holocaust memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the millions of lives lost."
Detailed Meaning of 'holocaust'
The Holocaust targeted and resulted in the mass murder of approximately six million Jews, along with millions of other victims, including Romani people, Poles, disabled individuals, political dissidents, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The Holocaust involved the implementation of state-sponsored policies aimed at dehumanizing and eliminating specific groups deemed undesirable by the Nazi regime. These policies included forced labor, imprisonment in concentration camps, mass shootings, and, most notably, the use of extermination camps equipped with gas chambers. The Holocaust stands as a symbol of the darkest depths of human cruelty and serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding human rights, promoting tolerance, and preventing such atrocities from ever happening again. It is a solemn chapter in history that must be remembered and learned from to ensure a more just and compassionate future.
Examples of 'holocaust' in a Sentence
1. The Holocaust remains one of the darkest chapters in human history.
2. Survivors of the Holocaust carry the weight of unimaginable suffering.
3. The Holocaust Memorial Museum is a somber reminder of the atrocities committed.
4. Many families were torn apart during the Holocaust, never to be reunited.
5. The Holocaust serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked hatred.
6. Learning about the Holocaust is crucial to understanding the depths of human cruelty.
Origins & Etymology of 'holocaust'
The noun 'holocaust' is historically associated with the systematic persecution and genocide carried out by Nazi Germany during World War II. It has its etymological roots in the Greek language, where 'holokauston' referred to a burnt offering or sacrifice consumed by fire. In the context of the Holocaust, the term took on a much darker and tragic meaning, signifying the mass murder and systematic extermination of millions of innocent people, primarily Jews, along with other minority groups, by the Nazis. The use of 'holocaust' to describe this unprecedented atrocity underscores the horrifying scale and the intent to annihilate entire populations during this tragic period in history. Its etymology tragically reflects the destruction and suffering of those affected by the Holocaust, serving as a somber reminder of the depths of human cruelty and the importance of remembrance.
Synonyms
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