bloodletting
noun
blood·let·ting ˈbləd-ˌle-tiŋ 
1
: phlebotomy
2
: bloodshed
3
: elimination of personnel or resources
4
: severe criticism
Take the English, the undisputed champions at verbal bloodletting.
Bill Ott
: a harsh verbal or written attack Bill OttBut what makes "Cinderella & Company" more than just a book-length bloodletting is Hoelterhoff's unexpected sympathy for most of the singers about whom she writes. Terry Teachout
Terry Teachout
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web So some participants may also undergo a purging process through enemas, for example, while others may be recommended a bloodletting. Jenna Ryu, USA TODAY, 27 May 2022 Poland and Ukraine have seen their ties strained in the past due to remaining tensions over ethnic bloodletting in the 20th century. Vanessa Gera, BostonGlobe.com, 21 May 2022 Poland and Ukraine have seen their ties strained in the past due to remaining tensions over ethnic bloodletting in the 20th century. Vanessa Gera, ajc, 21 May 2022 But the ultimate goal here is to end the bloodletting in Ukraine. Michael A. Cohen, The New Republic, 28 Apr. 2022 The short-term goal for the United States and its Western Allies is to end the bloodletting in Ukraine. Michael A. Cohen, The New Republic, 28 Mar. 2022 The liberal theory of government that emerged from the aftermath of these wars was designed, in part, to prevent such bloodletting. Damon Linker, The Week, 26 May 2021 The latest bloodletting has sparked fears the region could slide back into conflict and raised questions over the government’s ability to implement a peace deal and protect civilians. Noha Elhennawy, ajc, 25 Nov. 2021 Meanwhile, the bloodletting continues, as the division keeps losing experienced security pros through attrition. Will Evans, Wired, 18 Nov. 2021 See More
Jenna Ryu, USA TODAY, 27 May 2022 Poland and Ukraine have seen their ties strained in the past due to remaining tensions over ethnic bloodletting in the 20th century. Vanessa Gera, BostonGlobe.com, 21 May 2022 Poland and Ukraine have seen their ties strained in the past due to remaining tensions over ethnic bloodletting in the 20th century. Vanessa Gera, ajc, 21 May 2022 But the ultimate goal here is to end the bloodletting in Ukraine. Michael A. Cohen, The New Republic, 28 Apr. 2022 The short-term goal for the United States and its Western Allies is to end the bloodletting in Ukraine. Michael A. Cohen, The New Republic, 28 Mar. 2022 The liberal theory of government that emerged from the aftermath of these wars was designed, in part, to prevent such bloodletting. Damon Linker, The Week, 26 May 2021 The latest bloodletting has sparked fears the region could slide back into conflict and raised questions over the government’s ability to implement a peace deal and protect civilians. Noha Elhennawy, ajc, 25 Nov. 2021 Meanwhile, the bloodletting continues, as the division keeps losing experienced security pros through attrition. Will Evans, Wired, 18 Nov. 2021 See More Word History
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Medical Definition
bloodletting
noun
blood·let·ting -ˌlet-iŋ
: phlebotomy
bloodlettings
noun
as in massacres
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- massacres
- bloodsheds
- bloodbaths
- murders
- killings
- slaughters
- homicides
- butcheries
- carnages
- slayings
- holocausts
- manslaughters
- foul play
- exterminations
- pogroms
- annihilations
- deaths
- mortalities
- devastations
- assassinations
- executions
- genocides
- decimations
- destructions
- eradications