holocaust

Where does the word "holocaust" come from? It comes from Greek holokauston, and was adopted directly into English (1300s).

Holocaust’s story begins in Greek: holokauston meant “a burnt offering.” Literally completely burned, describing a sacrifice consumed entirely by fire. It reached English by 1300s as holocaust. Originally meant total destruction by fire, later applied to genocide. Today, holocaust means mass destruction of life, especially the Nazi genocide of Jews in World War II.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient holokauston "a burnt offering", literally completely burned, describing a sacrifice consumed entirely by fire.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1300s holocaust "total destruction, especially by fire", originally meant total destruction by fire, later applied to genocide.