hecatombe (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/ekaˈtom.be/

Translation Options into English

1. Hecatomb
2. Sacrifice
3. Great destruction or slaughter

Meaning and Usage

The word "hecatombe" in Spanish refers to an immense sacrifice, often involving a large-scale slaughter or great destruction. The term derives from historical events, particularly linked to ancient Greek and Roman sacrifices. It is used to describe significant loss of life or destruction resulting from wars, disasters, or catastrophes.

The frequency of use of "hecatombe" can vary, but it is more commonly found in written contexts, such as literature, historical texts, or journalistic reports discussing massive calamities. In everyday speech, it is less frequent and might be used in more dramatic contexts.

Example Sentences

1. La guerra dejó una hecatombe en el país, con miles de víctimas.
   The war left a hecatomb in the country, with thousands of victims.

2. La tormenta generó una hecatombe en la ciudad, destruyendo muchas casas.
   The storm created a hecatomb in the city, destroying many houses.

3. La hecatombe de animales en el incendio forestal fue devastadora.
   The hecatomb of animals in the forest fire was devastating.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "hecatombe" itself is not frequently used in idiomatic expressions, it can be tied to phrases that convey significant destruction or disaster. Here are a few examples:

1. Hecatombe en el horizonte
   Hecatomb on the horizon

2. La amenaza de guerra se siente como una hecatombe en el horizonte.
   The threat of war feels like a hecatomb on the horizon.

3. Caer en una hecatombe
   To fall into a hecatomb

4. Si no tomamos precauciones, nuestro proyecto puede caer en una hecatombe.
   If we don't take precautions, our project could fall into a hecatomb.

5. Anunciar una hecatombe
   To announce a hecatomb

6. Los meteorólogos anunciaron una hecatombe debido al huracán que se aproxima.
   The meteorologists announced a hecatomb due to the approaching hurricane.

Etymology

The term "hecatombe" comes from Latin hecatombes, which in turn originates from the ancient Greek word ἑκατόμβη (hekatombē), referring to a sacrifice of a hundred cattle to the gods. Over time, its meaning expanded to denote any large-scale destruction or sacrifice.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Masacre (Massacre) - Desastre (Disaster) - Estrago (Devastation)

Antonyms: - Salvación (Salvation) - Protección (Protection) - Conservación (Conservation)

This comprehensive exploration of "hecatombe" covers its part of speech, pronunciation, translations, meaning, usage, idiomatic expressions, etymology, synonyms, and antonyms, providing a detailed understanding of the term used in general and historical contexts.