PoliticsJuly 4, 2026

genocide

/ˈdʒɛnəˌsaɪd/

Definition

The deliberate and systematic destruction of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, often invoked here in the context of large-scale military actions against civilians in Gaza.

Etymology

The word was coined by Raphael Lemkin in 1944 by combining the Greek word 'genos' (race or tribe) with the Latin suffix '-cide' (killing). It was created specifically to describe the systematic atrocities committed during the Holocaust.

In the news

The term is used by a campaign staffer and various human rights organizations to characterize the military operations conducted by Israel in Gaza, highlighting a core ideological tension in the primary race. It represents a significant point of disillusionment for voters who felt the Democratic party failed to address these human rights concerns.

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