(n) indiscriminate slaughter, Syn. battue, bloodshed, bloodletting, Example:a bloodbath took place when the leaders of the plot surrendered; ten days after the bloodletting Hitler gave the action its name; the valley is no stranger to bloodshed and murder; a huge prison battue was ordered
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
n. 1. Indiscriminate slaughter; the killing of multiple persons. Syn. -- bloodletting, bloodshed, battue. [ WordNet 1.5 ]
2. [ fig. ] Substantial losses by many people, as in a mass termination of employment or widespread financial loss; as, the sudden market drop created a bloodbath among overoptimistic investors. [ PJC ]