ethnic cleansing
Pronunciation
Noun
B2 Upper-intermediate
Quick answer
The forced removal or killing of people from a particular ethnic or religious group in order to make an area ethnically uniform.
Usage notes
A somewhat euphemistic term; the acts it describes are recognized as serious crimes under international law.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "International courts have prosecuted military leaders for ordering _____ during the conflict."
Answer: ethnic cleansing
In your own words, what does "ethnic cleansing" mean?
The forced removal or killing of people from a particular ethnic or religious group in order to make an area ethnically uniform.
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