bloodshed

noun

blood·​shed ˈbləd-ˌshed How to pronounce bloodshed (audio)
Synonyms of bloodshednext
1
: the shedding of blood
2
: the taking of life : slaughter

Examples of bloodshed in a Sentence

Years of violence and bloodshed have left much of the country in ruins.
Recent Examples on the Web
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In 2023, a video released by Salah calling for an end to the bloodshed in Gaza received 200million views but according to some figures in the Islamic world, Salah did not speak quickly enough or use language that was decisive. Simon Hughes, New York Times, 21 May 2026 The goal is to avoid more bloodshed and displacement on the path to a reality in which both Jews and Arabs can live in peace and dignity in the two states that ought to exist between—as the saying goes—the river and the sea. Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026 San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said in a news briefing that the security officer likely helped prevent further bloodshed. James Powel, USA Today, 18 May 2026 Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979, every protest movement has been met with bloodshed. Alissa Simon, Variety, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bloodshed

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bloodshed was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Bloodshed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bloodshed. Accessed 29 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

bloodshed

noun
blood·​shed -ˌshed How to pronounce bloodshed (audio)
1
: the shedding of blood
2
: the taking of life : slaughter

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