From 16 Century French via Italian and Latin, 'carnage' captures the idea of wide-spread slaughter.
Originally limited to invasions, war and the wholesale destruction of human life, the word now includes devastating acts of nature and major industrial, road and rail accidents.
In current contexts it can be applied literally and figuratively to situations where destruction and mayhem prevail.
The word is an excellent example of how usage develops and expands.
Originally limited to invasions, war and the wholesale destruction of human life, the word now includes devastating acts of nature and major industrial, road and rail accidents.
In current contexts it can be applied literally and figuratively to situations where destruction and mayhem prevail.
The word is an excellent example of how usage develops and expands.
No comments:
Post a Comment