holocaust
noun
ho·lo·caust
| \ ˈhō-lə-ˌkȯst
, ˈhä- also -ˌkäst or ˈhȯ-lə-kȯst\
, ˈhä- also -ˌkäst or ˈhȯ-lə-kȯst\
Definition of holocaust
1
: a sacrifice (see sacrifice entry 1 sense 2) consumed by fire
2
: a thorough destruction involving extensive loss of life especially through fire
a nuclear holocaust
3a
usually the Holocaust
: the mass slaughter of European civilians and especially Jews by the Nazis during World War II
Several members of her family died in the Holocaust. a Holocaust survivor