noun

Eichmann

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Eichmann (noun) means a person who carries out immoral or destructive orders without objection because society or their institution accepts them. Example: “The report called the mid-level official just another eichmann, following orders without question.”

noun

A person who carries out immoral or destructive orders without objection because society or their institution accepts them.

"Hence, no special moral or political perversion is required to produce an Eichmann; it might be said that there are thousands of potential Eichmanns." — William Phillips, A sense of the present (1968)

"The report called the mid-level official just another eichmann, following orders without question."

""I've been accused of playing an Eichmann-like role in supporting an evil policy."" — Sharon Ghamari-Tabrizi, The worlds of Herman Kahn: the intuitive science of thermonuclear war (2005)

How to use Eichmann

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who does terrible things simply because they were told to, without moral resistance.

When to use it

A weighty, historically loaded term — used mainly in serious political or ethical writing, not casual speech.

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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”.

Word forms

Plural: Eichmanns

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The report called the mid-level official just another _____, following orders without question.

Etymology

From Otto Adolf Eichmann (1906-1962), a key organizer of the Holocaust, whose trial made his name a byword for bureaucratic obedience to atrocity.

· First attested 1906

Class of 1906 Eichmann joined the language around 1906.

allergy grift grifter suffragette wop

See the full Class of 1906 →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Eichmann” mean?

The word “Eichmann” means a person who carries out immoral or destructive orders without objection because society or their institution accepts them. In plain terms, someone who does terrible things simply because they were told to, without moral resistance.

How do you use “Eichmann” in a sentence?

Here is “Eichmann” used in a sentence: “The report called the mid-level official just another eichmann, following orders without question.”

What part of speech is “Eichmann”?

“Eichmann” is a noun.

Where does the word “Eichmann” come from?

The word “Eichmann” dates back to around 1906. From Otto Adolf Eichmann (1906-1962), a key organizer of the Holocaust, whose trial made his name a byword for bureaucratic obedience to atrocity.