ethnic cleansing

noun

: the expulsion, imprisonment, or killing of an ethnic minority by a dominant majority in order to achieve ethnic homogeneity

Examples of ethnic cleansing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Related article Former defense minister accuses Israel of ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza Critics say the responses suggest two sets of rules: one for the West’s traditional allies, and another for its foes. —

Tim Lister, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024 Al-Burhan’s government accuses the UAE of backing the RSF, which has allegedly committed ethnic cleansing in Darfur. —

Charlie Campbell / Dubai, TIME, 29 Nov. 2024 But what began as a movement characterized by sporadic outbursts of violence would soon morph into a premeditated political strategy of ethnic cleansing. —

Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 26 Nov. 2024 Several Austin place names have been called into question because their namesakes were racists, enslavers or instigators of ethnic cleansing. —

Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 3 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ethnic cleansing

Word History

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of ethnic cleansing was in 1991

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ethnic cleansing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethnic%20cleansing. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Copy Citation