nieder|metzeln
Translation
to massacre, to slaughter, to butcher
Examples
Die Armee metzelte die Feinde nieder.
The army massacred the enemies.
Er wurde im Kampf brutal niedergemetzelt.
He was brutally slaughtered in the fight.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) to massacre sb./sth. The army massacred the enemies.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to slaughter, to massacre, to slay
Etymology
From 'nieder' (down) and 'metzeln' (to butcher), which is related to 'Metzger' (butcher). Literally 'to butcher down'.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'Metzger' (butcher) and the prefix 'nieder' (down). It creates a very graphic image of cutting someone down.