1. large-scale sacrifices or slaughters, especially of many victims
Usage: often used figuratively; plural form of hecatomb
2. in ancient Greece and Rome, public sacrifices of 100 oxen or other animals
Usage: historical; classical antiquity

Examples

• The war resulted in hecatombs of young soldiers.
• Ancient rulers ordered hecatombs to appease the gods during times of crisis.
• The plague created hecatombs throughout the medieval cities.
• Greek festivals sometimes featured hecatombs as grand religious ceremonies.
• The dictator’s policies led to hecatombs of political prisoners.
• Archaeological evidence suggests hecatombs were common in certain temple complexes.