name

Moloch

MOH-lok

Moloch (name) means an ancient deity associated with child sacrifice in Canaanite and related religions. Example: “The Old Testament condemns the worship of Moloch.”

name

An ancient deity associated with child sacrifice in Canaanite and related religions.

"The Old Testament condemns the worship of Moloch."

A person or system demanding a terrible or costly sacrifice.

"The poet called war a moloch that devoured a generation of young men."

How to use Moloch

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOriginally an ancient god linked with child sacrifice; now used figuratively for anything that demands a horrifying sacrifice.

Word forms

molochs plural

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The Old Testament condemns the worship of _____.

Etymology

From a Proto-Semitic root meaning "king"; the figurative sense comes from Biblical references to human sacrifice associated with the deity.

Frequently asked questions

What does “Moloch” mean?

The word “Moloch” means an ancient deity associated with child sacrifice in Canaanite and related religions. In plain terms, originally an ancient god linked with child sacrifice; now used figuratively for anything that demands a horrifying sacrifice.

How do you pronounce “Moloch”?

“Moloch” is pronounced MOH-lok (/ˈmoʊlɑk/ in IPA).

How do you use “Moloch” in a sentence?

Here is “Moloch” used in a sentence: “The Old Testament condemns the worship of Moloch.”

What part of speech is “Moloch”?

“Moloch” is a name.

How many meanings does “Moloch” have?

“Moloch” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an ancient deity associated with child sacrifice in Canaanite and related religions.