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.
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
And despite the bloodshed, it was a gamble that paid off, reaping countless benefits for the isolated and impoverished country, transforming both its economic and military fortunes.
From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026
White House spokesman Kush Desai told AFP that the Trump administration has been working with Russia to push for a deal that "would stop the endless bloodshed that the president has really condemned."
From Barron's ● Aug. 31, 2026
“Who is asking for bloodshed? We ask only to keep the rights that have already been granted to us in the charter.”
From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare
Definitions 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.
