Definition of: slaughter

(slô′tər) noun
1. The act of killing; specifically, the butchering of cattle and other animals for market.
2. Wanton or savage killing, especially of human beings; massacre; carnage.
3. Slang A sweeping or ruinous reduction in prices. See synonyms under MASSACRE.
—v.t.
1. To kill for the market; butcher.
2. To kill wantonly or savagely, especially in large numbers.
3. Slang To reduce greatly the price of; sell at a low figure. See synonyms under KILL¹. [<ON slātr butcher's meat. Akin to SLAY.]
—slaugh′ter·er noun
—slaugh′ter·ous adjective
—slaugh′ter·ous·ly adverb