rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryHolocaustNazi genocide
proper noun

Holocaust

The genocide of European Jews and other targeted groups by Nazi Germany.

The museum preserves testimony from survivors of the Holocaust.

Etymology
holoGreekwhole
+caustGreekburnt

Greek holokaustos meant wholly burnt, originally describing a burnt offering. The word broadened to catastrophic destruction before becoming the established name for the Nazi genocide.

More examples

  • She studied the Holocaust.
  • The memorial commemorated victims of the Holocaust.
  • The course examined the history of the Holocaust.

Forms

Holocaust