noun

ecocide

EE-koh-syde

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Ecocide (noun) means the wholesale destruction of an ecosystem caused by human activity, such as exploiting resources, nuclear warfare or dumping harmful chemicals. Example: “Campaigners want ecocide recognised as a crime alongside genocide.”

noun

The wholesale destruction of an ecosystem caused by human activity, such as exploiting resources, nuclear warfare or dumping harmful chemicals.

"Campaigners want ecocide recognised as a crime alongside genocide."

"The oil spill caused an ecocide that wiped out marine life along the coast."

"Deforestation on this scale amounts to ecocide."

How to use ecocide

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEcocide is the deliberate or reckless wrecking of an entire natural environment.

When to use it

It is a serious, formal word, mostly found in environmental, legal and campaigning contexts.

Memory tip

Remember it is built the same way as genocide, but the harm is done to an ecosystem rather than a group of people.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

genocide →

Common pairings

commit ecocide acts of ecocide criminalise ecocide large-scale ecocide

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “ecocide” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Campaigners want _____ recognised as a crime alongside genocide.

Etymology

Formed by joining the prefix eco- to the suffix -cide, which denotes killing or destruction. The American plant biologist Arthur Galston coined the word in 1969 to describe the deliberate wrecking of the environment through the use of Agent Orange.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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geocide

Rhymes for ecocide

ide tide hide ride wide side bide aide elide amide abide slide

See all rhymes for ecocide →

Frequently asked questions

What does ecocide mean?

Ecocide means the large-scale destruction of an ecosystem or natural environment through human action.

Who coined the word ecocide?

The plant biologist Arthur Galston coined it in 1969, originally to describe the environmental damage caused by the chemical defoliant Agent Orange.

Is ecocide a legal crime?

The grounding text does not state that ecocide is a legal crime; it describes the word as a term for large-scale environmental destruction.

What is the meaning of ecocide?

"ecocide" (noun) means the wholesale destruction of an ecosystem caused by human activity, such as exploiting resources, nuclear warfare or dumping harmful chemicals.