Genocide

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈdʒɛnəˌsaɪd/

Definitions

1. The deliberate and systematic extermination of a national, racial, political, or cultural group.

2. Any act or policy aimed at the destruction of a specific group, especially by killing or causing other severe harm.

Usage Examples

• "The genocide of the Jewish people during the Holocaust is one of the most horrific events in modern history."
• "International courts work to bring perpetrators of genocide to justice."

Etymology

The term "genocide" was coined in 1944 by Raphael Lemkin, a Polish-Jewish lawyer. It is a combination of the Greek word "genos" meaning "race" or "family," and the Latin word "caedere" meaning "to kill." Lemkin introduced the word in response to the mass killings and atrocities committed by the Nazis during World War II.

Synonyms

• Massacre
• Extermination
• Ethnic cleansing
• Mass murder

Antonyms

• Humanitarianism
• Peacefulness
• Compassion
• Coexistence

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Pronunciation may vary by accent. In American English, the emphasis is typically placed on the second syllable ("ge-NO-cide"), while in British English, the stress may be on the first syllable ("GEN-o-cide").

Historical Usage

The term "genocide" was coined by Raphael Lemkin in 1944, in the aftermath of the Holocaust. The widespread use of the term gained prominence after World War II, particularly in legal frameworks for the prosecution of war crimes. The United Nations adopted the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in 1948, solidifying genocide as a criminal act under international law.

Cultural Nuances

In different cultures, genocide is viewed as an extreme form of violence and is often tied to traumatic historical events. The term is culturally sensitive and evokes a strong response, as it refers to the mass killing or eradication of entire communities, leaving lasting scars on the affected populations.

More Information

Genocide is one of the most extreme violations of human rights and is characterized by the intentional destruction of a particular group of people. It includes mass killings, deportations, and other acts of violence aimed at completely eliminating an ethnicity, religion, or nationality. Recognizing and preventing genocide remains a key focus of international law and diplomacy. Historical examples, such as the Holocaust, the Rwandan Genocide, and the Bosnian Genocide, underscore the importance of global cooperation to prevent and respond to such atrocities.