Vocabulary Spotlight
Carnage
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: Large-scale and violent killing, often in the context of a battle or disaster.
“The battlefield was littered with evidence of the carnage that had taken place.”
Pronunciation
[kahr-nij]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Slaughter
Butchery
Bloodshed
Devastation
Antonyms
Calm
Harmony
Tranquility
Order
Related Words
Annihilation
Chaos
Word Origin
“Carnage” originates from the Latin word “carnaticum,” meaning “slaughter of animals,” and evolved to describe violent large-scale killing, especially in battle.
Word Family
Noun: Carnage – Large-scale killing or destruction.
Related Noun: Carnal – Related to physical or bodily needs, often distinct from carnage but sharing the root “caro” (flesh).
Related Adjective: Carnivorous – Feeding on flesh.
Mnemonics
Think of “Carnage” as “Carnival of Rage” – imagining a chaotic scene of destruction or violence.
Industry-specific Usage
Military
In military history, carnage refers to the aftermath of large battles or violent conflicts with high casualties.
Environmental Science
In environmental studies, carnage can describe the widespread destruction of wildlife or ecosystems after a disaster.
Literature
In literature, carnage often illustrates the horrors of war or violent events to evoke emotion in readers.
In Context
“Carnage” describes scenes of extensive bloodshed and destruction. It is often used to depict the aftermath of war, large-scale violence, or catastrophic events that leave a scene of chaos and loss.