How to Say "Massacre" in Latin

trucīdātiō

feminine

The English word massacre translates to the Latin noun trucīdātiō. If unsure, use trucīdātiō. Wiktionary also lists strāgēs.

Meaning: intentional mass killing (noun)

Ways to say it

“massacre” in Latin
Latin	Note
trucīdātiō	feminine
strāgēs	feminine

Both trucīdātiō and strāgēs are used to describe an intentional mass killing. The verb trucīdō means to kill in considerable numbers.

The noun trucīdātiō is derived from the verb trucīdō, which literally means 'to kill' or 'to slay'.

While trucīdātiō refers to the act of mass killing, strāgēs often emphasizes the physical result or the carnage of the slaughter.

trucīdātiō is a third-declension feminine noun, with the genitive trucīdātiōnis.

The root of trucīdō is related to the Latin word trucis, which means 'fierce' or 'wild'. This suggests that a massacre was viewed not just as a large killing, but as an act of extreme savagery.
Latin possesses a specific nuance where trucīdō implies a 'hacking' or 'mangling' motion, reflecting the brutal nature of the weapons used in ancient warfare.
In some Latin contexts, the word strāgēs could imply a 'pile' or 'heap', suggesting that a massacre is defined by the heaps of bodies left behind.

Trucīdātiō hostium in urbe fuit saeva.
The massacre of the enemies in the city was cruel.
Nemo de hac trucīdātiōne tacitus esse potest.
No one can remain silent about this massacre.

Claudia and Marcus are discussing a historical event.

Claudia

Audīvistīne dē illā trucīdātiōne, Marce?
Did you hear about that massacre, Marcus?
Marcus

Ita, Claudia, rēs valdē tristis est.
Yes, Claudia, it is a very sad thing.
Claudia

Multī hominēs ibī cecidērunt.
Many people fell there.
Marcus

Illīus trucīdātiōnis numquam oblīviscēmur.
We will never forget that massacre.

Sources

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