noun
Etymology
Origin of bloodshed
Explanation
Use the word bloodshed to mean people being killed or wounded, especially during a war. A strong dislike of bloodshed might keep a person from joining the military. You can use the noun bloodshed to talk about any kind of violence: "My mom never let me play those video games when I was growing up, because of all the bloodshed." It's most commonly used to refer to the major side effect of war, the death and injury of many humans. Bloodshed dates from the 1500s, meaning "the shedding of one's blood" or "slaughter."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Hunger did not arrive with conflict, but it's spreading with the latest bloodshed.
From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2026
He found precedent in paintings where bloodshed is latent or occurs just beyond the frame.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 21, 2026
Kelly said there was “nothing controversial about Mr. Dans’ remarks calling for an end to years of bloodshed and expanded dialogue.”
From Salon ● Sep. 16, 2026
Kuzichken, who remained in Britain under an assumed name, expressed regret over the bloodshed, although he was not surprised.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026
Like, for example, as a redcap, Madoc needs bloodshed the way a mermaid needs the salt spray of the sea.
From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
