holocaust
UK[ˈhɒləkɔːst]US[ˈhəʊləkɔːst]
n
A great or complete destruction, especially by fire.
n
(usually the Holocaust) The mass murder of Jewish people and other groups persecuted by Nazi Germany during World War II.
Morpheme Breakdown
holo
caust
holo
whole
caust
burned
Etymology
The word 'holocaust' entered English in the 13th century via Old French and Latin, tracing back to the Greek holokauston, a compound of holos ("whole") and kaustos ("burned"). In its original, literal sense, it referred to a religious sacrifice that was completely consumed by fire. This literal meaning of a "whole burnt offering" evolved metaphorically to signify any vast destruction or slaughter, particularly by fire. In the mid-20th century, the term was specifically capitalized ("the Holocaust") to denote the systematic, state-sponsored genocide perpetrated by Nazi Germany, a usage that has since become its primary and most grave association.
Analysis
Structure: holo (whole) + caust (burned)
'holo' originates from Greek holos, meaning "whole, entire, complete." 'caust' originates from Greek kaustos, meaning "burned," from kaiein, "to burn."
Examples
The novel describes a nuclear holocaust that devastates the planet.
Scholars continue to research and teach about the horrors of the Holocaust.
The forest fire was a holocaust, leaving nothing but ash in its wake.