extermination

noun eks-tair-mee-nah-SYOHN Rare

Origin: From Latin 'exterminatio'.

Usage Note

Extermination carries the same weight in French as in English and is most commonly encountered in historical contexts — particularly the Nazi camps d'extermination (extermination camps). The related verb exterminer means 'to exterminate'. The word is rarely used lightly; for pests one more commonly says éradication or dératisation.

Examples

"L'extermination de masse est un crime contre l'humanité."

Natural Translation

Mass extermination is a crime against humanity.

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