<p><strong>noun</strong></p><ul><li>the unnecessary, indiscriminate killing of a large number of human beings or animals, as in barbarous warfare or persecution or for revenge or plunder.</li><li>a general slaughter, as of persons or animals: the massacre of millions during the war.</li><li>Informal: a crushing defeat, especially in sports.</li></ul><p><strong>verb</strong></p><ul><li>to kill unnecessarily and indiscriminately, especially a large number of persons.</li><li>Informal: to defeat decisively, especially in sports.</li></ul>