ecocide

noun

eco·​cide ˈē-kə-ˌsīd How to pronounce ecocide (audio)
ˈe-
-(ˌ)kō-
: the destruction of large areas of the natural environment as a consequence of human activity
ecocidal
ˌē-kə-ˈsī-dᵊl How to pronounce ecocide (audio)
ˌe-
-(ˌ)kō-
adjective

Examples of ecocide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Today, there’s a range of archeological and genetic work that tends to support their basic observations while countering, or at least complicating, the familiar ecocide narrative. Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026 While the idea is relatively new, in addition to the international efforts, several countries have incorporated ecocide into their laws – including Vietnam, France, Chile and Ukraine. Dana Zartner, Space.com, 17 Aug. 2025 The 2008 reimagining of The Day the Earth Stood Still has Klaatu warning earthlings about ecocide rather than an atomic menace. Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025 Mehta added several countries have already incorporated ecocide into their national laws, including France, Ukraine and Belgium. Jamie Hailstone, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

eco- + -cide

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ecocide was in 1969

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ecocide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ecocide. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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